bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of low concentration of vitamin C and low fresh fruits and vegetables consumption with cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetes. Running title: vitaminC and cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Toffalini Anna , Vigolo Nicolò , Paviati Elisa , Gelati Matteo , Danese Elisa , Zoppini Giacomo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Vitamin C is a fundamental antioxidant that plays roles in important metabolic processes. Patients with type 2 diabetes are exposed to oxidative stress as a consequence of an increase in ROS production. The aims of the present study were to estimate the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in ambulatory patients with type 2 diabetes, to study the relationship of vitamin C levels and cardiovascular diseases and to correlate the fresh fruits and vegetables consumption with vitamin C levels and the presence of cardiovascular diseases.
Methods
In 200 ambulatory patients with type 2 diabetes, vitamin C levels, with HPLC, and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, with a dedicated questionnaire, were measured. All other laboratory variables were measured with standard methods. Association between vitamin C and cardiovascular diseases was assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results
Vitamin C deficiency was found in 12.2 % of subjects. Vitamin C levels and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables were lower in subjects with cardiovascular diseases. Fresh fruits and vegetables intake were associated with higher levels of vitamin C. In multivariable analysis, vitamin C was independently associated with cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our study seems to suggest that vitamin C might have an inverse relation with cardiovascular diseases. The intake of vitamin C from fresh fruits and vegetables may have a protective role.
Evaluation of the urogenital microbiota of healthy cyclic bitches
Authors: Gronsfeld Virginie , Brutinel Flore , Egyptien Sophie , Porsmoguer Charles , Hamaide Annick , Taminiau Bernard , Daube Georges , Weerdt Marie-Lys , Deleuze Stefan , Noel Stéphanie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Understanding the urogenital microbiota would allow us to compare the bacterial populations in healthy and pathological conditions and assess their impact on various urogenital diseases. The aim of our research was to characterize and compare the urogenital microbiota during different phases of the estrous cycle in healthy female dogs. DNA extraction, 16S rDNA library preparation, sequencing, and informatics analysis were employed to determine the vaginal and urinary microbiota in 10 healthy beagle dogs at each phase of the cycle.
Results: Alpha diversity, richness, and evenness of bacterial populations in the vagina were not significantly different across the various cycle phases. However, there was a significant difference in vaginal beta diversity between the different cycle phases, except for anestrus and diestrus. Conversely, no differences in alpha and beta diversity were observed in the urinary microbiota across the different cycle phases.
Conclusions: This study demonstrate estrogenic influence on the abundance of vaginal microbiota in healthy female dogs, with no discernible influence on urinary microbiota. Additionally, it provides a comparative basis for understanding the urinary and vaginal microbiota in healthy female dogs.
ALA/LA Inhibited Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis of DKD db/db Mice Induced by Oxidative Stress
Authors: Jiang Mingxia , Sun Hong , Zhang Haifen , cheng Yin , Zhai Chengkai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Its progression is caused by various pathological mechanisms, including oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and fibrosis. This study aimed to explore the effects of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)/ linoleic acid (LA) on preventing and delaying the progression of interstitial fibrosis and improving OS in DKD mice.
Methods
Male eight-week-old db/db mice were randomly allocated to either the DKD model group, the low-dose ALA/LA group (250 mg/kg·d), the high-dose ALA/LA group (500 mg/kg·d), or the control group, consisting of db/m mice. After 12 weeks of ALA/LA intervention, blood urea nitrogen, blood glucose, and urine protein levels were signifi-cantly lower in db/db mice than in the control group;
Results
ALA/LA enhanced SOD and CAT levels and reduced reactive oxygen species and MDA production. Furthermore, db/db mice in the intervention group had lower mRNA and protein expression levels of p38, p-p38, ERK, p-ERK, /transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and type IV collagen (ColIV) than did the model group (P < 0.05);
Conclusions
ALA/LA improved recovery from injury in db/db mice by reducing OS and alleviating kidney fibrosis, especially in the tubules. The potential mechanism was that ALA/LA inhibited renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and OS via the P-P38, P-ERK/ TGF-β1/ColIV signaling pathway.
Impregnation of mesenchymal stem cell secretome with Wortmannin inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Ismail Doha F. , Keey Mai M. El- , Elgendy Saad M. , Hessien Mohamed 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The utilization of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived secretome was suggested as a promising alternative in cell-based regenerative therapy. Herein, the MSCs cells were impregnated with a pan-PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor and their secretome was utilized to explore the anticancer and antimetastasis effects against breast cancer. To establish this aim Bone marrow-derived MSCs was treated with 50, 100, or 250 nM Wortmannin (Wort), where the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and autophagic potential of their secretome were investigated in luminal-A breast cancer cells (MCF-7). We found that exposure of MCF-7 to Wort-containing secretome induced both apoptosis and autophagy, whereas prolonged exposure led to massive cell death. Also, Wort-loaded secretome induced nuclear DNA fragmentation and reduced cell metastasis in vitro. These findings were associated with Wort-dependent decrease in the formation of the phosphorylated Akt and mTOR proteins, reduced the expression of their mRNAs, and downregulate of the expression of the catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K-CA). Taken together, these findings suggested the promising antiproliferative and antimetastasis effects of combining pan-PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors with MSCs-derived secretome in breast cancer.
EUS Guided antegrade treatment vs Balloon Enteroscopy ERCP for Choledocholithiasis in patients with Roux en Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) – A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmed Zohaib , Iqbal Amna , Aziz Muhammad , Iqbal Fatima , Gangwani Manesh Kumar , Sohail Abdullah , Chaudhary Ammad , Smith Wade-Lee , Hayat Umar , Singh Shailendra , Mohan Babu P. , Javaid Toseef 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background and Study Aims:
The safety and technical success of Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided antegrade treatment (EUS-AG) compared to Balloon enteroscopy assisted endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (BE-ERCP) for choledocholithiasis in Roux en Y gastrectomy has not been well documented. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of available studies to assess the safety and efficacy of the two procedures.
Methods:
A systematic search of multiple databases was undertaken through January 25, 2024 to identify relevant studies comparing the two procedures. Standard meta-analysis methods were employed using the random effects model. For each outcome, risk-ratio (RR), 95 % confidence interval (CI), and P values were generated. P  < 0.05 was considered significant. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2% statistics.
Results:
Three studies with 795 patients (95 in the EUS-AG group and 700 in the BE-ERCP group) were included. The technical success rate was similar between EUS-AG and BE-ERCP (RR: 1.08, CI: 0.84-1.38, P  = 0.57, I 2  = 56%). The overall side effects rate was higher in BE-ERCP group compared to EUS-AG (RR: 1.95, CI: 1.21-3.15, P  = 0.006, I 2  = 0 %).
Other outcomes like rates of clinical success (RR:0.95, CI: 0.75-1.18, P=0.62, I ²= 33%), pancreatitis (RR: 0.34, CI: 0.04-2.55, P= 0.29, I ²= 0%), perforation (RR: 0.38, CI: 0.05-2.80, P= 0.34, I²= 0%), and bile peritonitis (RR: 7.66, CI: 0.54-108.94, P= 0.13, I²= 37%) were similar between the two procedure techniques.
Conclusion:
Our analysis showed no distinct advantage in using one technique over the other for patients with Roux en Y anatomy in achieving technical and clinical success. However, the incidence of adverse effects was greater in the BE-ERCP group than in the EUS-AG group.
Joint Mode Selection and Resource Allocation for Underlaying D2D Communications: Matching Theory
Authors: ATTAR IBRAHIM SAMI , MAHYUDDIN NOR MUZLIFAH , Hindia MHD Nour 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Device-to-Device (D2D) communications, regarded as a crucial technology for the Beyond Fifth-Generation (B5G) wireless networks, provide substantial benefits including elevated spectrum effectiveness, improved coverage, and traffic offloading. The mode selection and channel allocation play an Important role in ensuring the Quality of Service (QoS) and enhancing user experience in D2D communications. The dynamic switching of communication modes by D2D User Equipments (UEs) depends on the extent of shared resources among D2D pairs. In this paper, we examine the issue of joint mode selection and resource allocation for D2D communication within a cellular network in an uplink scenario. The main objective of this study is to optimize the overall sum rates of the network, while simultaneously guaranteeing the QoS requirements. Three communication modes are considered which are Direct Mode (MD), Relay-assisted Mode (RM), and Local route Mode (LM). In addition, each D2D pair has the option to be allocated either a dedicated channel or a reused channel. We present an innovative approach for the simultaneous determination of mode selection and channel allocation in D2D communication. The proposed approach is based on greedy strategy and a modified many-to-many matching technique that effectively selects the best communication mode and assigns the optimal channel for each D2D pair, respectively. The simulation results illustrate that the presented approach exhibits a significant improvement in the network performance when compared to the benchmark algorithms.
Childhood abuse and disordered eating behaviors in female college students: how does depression and anxiety come from?
Authors: Li Huizi , Han Wenyue , Zhuang Shaoshan , Xu Jialong , Sun YueYi , Zheng Zheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the relationship among childhood abuse, disordered eating behaviors, depression, and anxiety in female college students. It also investigates the mediating role of disordered eating in the relationship between childhood abuse and depression, as well as anxiety.
Methods
832 female college students were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and Personal Report of Childhood Abuse (PRCA).
Results
Depression and anxiety was significantly positively correlated with childhood abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect, and was significantly positively correlated with disordered eating. Disordered eating was significantly positively correlated with childhood maltreatment, physical maltreatment, emotional maltreatment and neglect. Disordered eating mediated the relationship between childhood abuse and depression, as well as between childhood abuse and anxiety.
Conclusion
Childhood abuse can predict depression and anxiety, both directly and indirectly through the mediating effect of disordered eating. This provides a new perspective for interventions aimed at alleviating the symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with a history of childhood abuse.
D-GAN: An Automatic Acne Detection, Severity, and Assessment Framework using Generative Adversarial Network with Deep Neural Network
Authors: Khalid Umara , Chen Li , Khan Abdullah Ayub , Mehmood Faisal 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
With the robust development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially image processing has made information technology more efficient and effective in the sense to evaluate facial features, even though there has been masked on the face. However, the accuracy of acne detection and related severity analysis is becoming a significant prospect for the precise treatment of patients. Due to this, close severity is one of the features that need to be added first, while it is considered a highly challenging aspect for dermatologists because the similar appearance of acne in the face reduces the rate of accuracy when examining. It poses a serious problem in the domain of biomedical processing and controls. In this paper, we contribute to four different folds. Initially, this paper presents a novel framework that provides a platform in order to measure localization and segmentation. In this process, consultants receive better accuracy and efficiency during the process of acne detection and severity analysis. Second, this paper utilizes deep neural networks (DNNs) as a backend process to lightning the extraction of multi-scale features through a multi-hierarchy neural net for regionalized facial features to investigate distinction and localization. Third, a class-based segmentation approach customizes and integrates with the proposed framework to examine the background and facial skin separation to distinguish different classes to obtain severity marking. Fourth, the facial skin segmentation classes are built as a cluster segment using Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). It provides a high-resolution network that enhances severity masking awareness and related attentions, including shuffle and conditional channels like an update in weight block. Although, the simulation illustrates that the technological collaboration achieves promising results and elaborates on the accuracy and efficiency while the detection of acne as compared to other state-of-the-art baseline methods. In addition, the proposed framework illustrates good results in severity analysis for acne detection comparably far better than the previously published articles with a performance rate of 3.112% (accuracy), 1.131% (segmentation), 2.317% (localization), and 1.573% (GAN-based high-resolution network management), respectively.
Unsupervised Salient Object Detection with Momentum Expansion: A Case Study on the Xiongse Monastery in Xizang
Authors: Luo Qian , Yang Xiaobo , Li Jianbang , Xu Yincheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A distinctive and intricate color palette is often used for interior decorations in Xizang temples. Traditional methods of detection can be challenging, as they are prone to being limited by similar background colors, making it difficult to identify all the essential elements. In this case, a momentum-based pseudo-labeling strategy is proposed to address this issue. This strategy utilizes momentum expansion to categorize the pseudo-labels generated by the first-stage pre-trained model into active areas, expansion areas, and background areas, they facilitating the supervision of fine-label generation in the second stage. Additionally, a real-time label correction strategy is employed. An Efficient Channel Attention (ECA) module is introduced to enhance the model's feature learning capabilities. An unsupervised deep learning-based object detection method is utilized, eliminating the need for extensive manual annotation of labels for diverse objects. Experimental results have demonstrated the significant effectiveness of this approach in comprehensive detection of salient region targets.
Development of quality indicators for hypertension, extractable from the electronic health record of the general practitioner. A rand-modified Delphi method.
Authors: Danhieux Katrien , Hollevoet Marieke , Lismont Sien , Taveirne Pieter , Vaerenbergh Lotte Van , Vaes Bert , Bulck Steve Van den 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Hypertension, a chronic medical condition affecting millions of people worldwide, is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to reduce the burden of the disease, with general practitioners playing a vital role. Therefore, it is crucial that GPs provide high-quality care that is standardized and based on the most recent (inter)national guidelines. Quality indicators (QIs) can be used to assess the performance, outcomes, or processes of healthcare delivery and are critical in helping healthcare professionals identify areas of improvement and measure progress towards achieving desired health outcomes. However, QIs to evaluate the care of patients with hypertension in general practice have been studied to a limited extent. The aim of our study is to define quality indicators for hypertension in general practice that are extractable from the electronic health record (EHR) and can be used to evaluate and improve the quality of care for hypertensive patients in the general practice setting.
Methods: We used a Rand-modified Delphi procedure. We extracted recommendations from (inter)national guidelines and assembled them into an online questionnaire. An initial scoring based on the SMART principle and extractability from the EHR was performed by panel members, these results were analyzed using a Median Likert score, prioritization and degree of consensus. A consensus meeting was set up in which all the recommendations were discussed, followed by a final validation round.
Results: Our study extracted 115 recommendations from (inter)national guidelines on hypertension and was converted into an online questionnaire. After analysis of the questionnaire round and a consensus meeting round, 37 recommendations were accepted and 75 were excluded. Of these 37 recommendations, 9 were slightly modified and 4 were combined into 2 recommendations, resulting in a list of 35 recommendations. All recommendations of the final set were translated to QIs, made up of 7 QIs on screening, 6 QIs on diagnosis, 11 QIs on treatment, 5 QIs on outcome and 6 QIs on follow-up.
Conclusions: Our study resulted in a set of 35 QIs for hypertension in general practice. The QIs are extractable from the EHR making them suitable for automated quality assessment.
A multilevel investigation to reveal the regulatory mechanism of lignin accumulation in juice sac granulation of pomelo
Authors: LIU Luning , Chen YiRan , Wu Weilin , Chen Qiuyou , Tian ZhiJiao , Huang JiaKang , Ren HuaQing , Zhang JiaCheng , Du Xi , Zhuang Mulai , Wang Ping 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Granulation of juice sacs is a physiological disorder, which affects pomelo fruit quality. Here, the transcriptome and ubiquitinome of the granulated juice sacs were analyzed in Guanxi pomelo. We found that lignin accumulation in the granulated juice sacs was regulated at transcription and protein modification levels. In transcriptome data, we found that the genes in lignin biosynthesis pathway and antioxidant enzyme system of the granulated juice sacs were significantly up-regulated. However, in ubiquitinome data, we found that ubiquitinated antioxidant enzymes increased in abundance but the enzyme activities decreased after the modification, which gave rise to reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents in granulated juice sacs. This finding suggests that ubiquitination level of the antioxidant enzymes is negatively correlated with the enzyme activities. Increased H2O2 is considered to be a signalling molecule to activate the key gene expressions in lignin biosynthesis pathway, which leads to the lignification in granulated juice sacs of pomelo. This regulatory mechanism in juice sac granulation of pomelo was further confirmed through the verification experiment using tissue culture by adding H2O2 or dimethylthiourea (DMTU). Our findings suggest that scavenging H2O2 and other ROS are important for reducing lignin accumulation, alleviating juice sac granulation and improving pomelo fruit quality.
Factors that influence knowledge workers’ communication on social-media: Self-efficacy as mediator
Authors: Turmudi Hamzah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Social-media (SM) usage has developed to be a vital element of information research. Workers who use SM to post job-associated content are regarded as reliable informants and significantly affect the perceptions of prospective consumers and upcoming workers in the company. Thus, workers’ capability of communicating their jobs through SM has developed to be a viable benefit for other workers and companies, especially in the specialized service industry. Consequently, comprehending the impact of workers’ capability to employ SM proficiently is vital for recognizing the communication conducts of modern intelligent workers. The paper examines factors that influence self-efficacy (SE) in workers’ job-associated communication on social media (CSM).
Methodology
This study uses a quantitative method. Data was gathered from employees in five types of Halal service companies in Indonesia. Participants working in those firms were portrayed as ‘knowledge workers’, who were differentiated by their concentration on “non-routine” decision-making, creative and divergent thinking, and problem-solving.
Findings
This study’s findings reveal that observed company support, SM coaching, and earlier practical knowledge with SM are influential determinants of SE and then job-associated CSM. Therefore, companies and managers possess some factors immediately inside the extent of their power that can help workers participate in the expert usage of SM.
Originality
This study is an initial effort to examine the mentioned inter-variable relationships in the new context of knowledge workers in emerging countries such as Indonesia. The research supports the existing research regarding workers’ communicative conduct and delivers vital and practical comprehensions to enhance and manage human capital.
Determining Hydrocephalus and V-P Shunt Requirements After Repair of Myelomeningocele and Myeloschisis Defects in Infants
Authors: ŞERİFOĞLU LUAY , ETLİ MUSTAFA UMUT , Işık Semra , Seçkin Murat sait , öndünç gonca gül , karaaslanlı abdulmutalip 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim Myelomeningocele (MM) and Myeloschisis (MS) are important developmental defects requiring surgical treatment. Although there are defined differences between both lesions, the treatment and follow-up processes are the same. Hydrocephalus has an important place among the complications that may develop after surgical closure of the defect.Purpose Analysis of factors that may determine the need for shunting in the postoperative period in patients with MM and MS defectsMethod A retrospective analysis of 100 patients (60 females and 40 males) who were treated for MM and MS between the years 2013 to 2023 at our institution was conducted. The infants were divided into two groups: Group 1; those who underwent V-P shunt surgery following MM or MS repair surgeries (n = 81) and Group 2; those who did not receive V-P shunt surgery following MM or MS repair (n = 19). Parameters such as head circumference, MM sac integrity, MM sac size, MM sac location, and birth weight were examined. The results were analyzed to identify any potential differences between the two groups.Results We included 100 patients with myelomeningocele (MM, n = 86) or myeloschisis (MS, n = 14) abnormalies in this study. The rate of V-P shunt insertion was significantly higher in infants with preoperative hydrocephalus, those with an open myelomeningocele sac structure and those with abnormalies in the thoracic/thoracolumbar region.Conclusion In infants born with myelomeningocele or myeloschisis, determining the development of hydrocephalus and the need for V-P shunt placement after the repair of the defect is crucial. This evaluation helps in planning the management of these patients, aiming to minimize complications and to improve the overall prognosis.