bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LncRNA SNHG1 acts as a ceRNA for miR-216a-3p to regulate TMBIM6 expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer
Authors: Kong Ni , Chi Yuheng , Ma Hong , Luo Dongbo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) represents a prevalent malignancy of the digestive system in humans with poor clinical prognosis. The long noncoding RNA SNHG1 has been implicated in the occurrence and pathogenesis of numerous cancers. The regulatory mechanisms of SNHG1 in ESCC are inadequately defined and warrant further investigation.
Methods
Fifty patients diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell cancer were enrolled to assess overall survival. qRT-PCR was used to examine SNHG1, miR-216a-3p and TMBIM6 expression on TE-1 and KYSE-150 cells. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were evaluated by CCK8, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays, respectively. TMBIM6, Calpain, and Caspase-12 protein levels were assessed using Western blot. The interaction between SNHG1, miR-216a-3p, and TMBIM6 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay.
Results
Elevated SNHG1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients predicted negative clinical outcomes. Silencing of SNHG1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis in ESCC cells. It was discovered that SNHG1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in ESCC cells, modulating TMBIM6 expression through sponging miR-216a-3p. Notably, inhibition of miR-216a-3p or restoration of TMBIM6 reversed the inhibitory effect caused by SNHG1 silencing in ESCC cells.
Conclusions
Through modulation of the miR-216a-3p/TMBIM6 pathway, SNHG1 promotes the advancement of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for this disease.
Association between cardiometabolic index and testosterone among adult males: A cross- sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016
Authors: Shang Tingting , Zhang Jian , Ma Hua , Zou Shu , Sun Rui , Ren Qingling 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background Cardiometabolic index (CMI) is a well-promising indicator for predicting obesity-related diseases. Testosterone decline and deficiency importantly affect men's health, and may be associated with obesity and excessive deposition of visceral adipose tissue. Therefore, this study intends to explore the relationship between CMI and testosterone.Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted among adult males with complete data about CMI and testosterone in 2013–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Calculate CMI: Triglyceride (TG) (mmol/L)/ High-density lipid-cholesterol (HDL–C) (mmol/L) × waist-to-height Ratio (WHtR). Multivariable regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the association between CMI and testosterone.Results We included 2,209 male participants for the final analysis. After adjusting for confounders, CMI was found to show a negative correlation between testosterone (Minimally adjusted model: β=-10.56, 95%CI: -12.76, -8.36, P < 0.0001, fully adjusted model: β=-0.04 (-4.88, 4.81), P = 0.9882). Multivariate-adjusted beta also showed testosterone levels were significantly lower in the two highest CMI groups (Q3, Q4) compared to the lowest group (Q1). In the subgroup populations, the relationship between CMI and testosterone was affected by age, race, Education level, Hypertension, and smoking status (P-interaction༜0.05). Furthermore, ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve of the CMI (0.68 (95% CI: (0.65,0.71) was more significant than that of the TyG index (0.67 (95% CI: 0.65,0.70).Conclusion CMI levels were negatively related to a decreased likelihood of testosterone in United States male adults. Our findings indicated that CMI may be a simple anthropometric index to predict testosterone.
Sarcopenic obesity evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, rather than sarcopenia or obesity alone, is associated with the macrovascular but not microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Han , Su Weijuan , Li Jia , Wang Shunhua , Chen Zheng , zhang Yuxian , Huang Bingkun , Lyu Fuping , Yan Fangfang , Huang Caoxin , Lin Mingzhu , Shi Xiulin , Li Xuejun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective: The prevalence of Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is increasing, particularly with a rising trend observed in patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the association between SO and diabetic complications remains unclear when compared to sarcopenia or obesity alone. This study aimed to investigate the associations between sarcopenia, obesity, SO, and diabetes complications in patients with T2D.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted including 2387 hospitalized patients with T2D. Data associated with demographic characteristics, biochemical parameters, diabetic complications, and body composition from electronic health records were collected. The participants were categorized as normal (nonsarcopenia nonobesity), sarcopenia, obesity, and SO groups according to the body compositions evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to assess the associations between body composition and complications of diabetes.
Results: After adjustment for potential confounders, compared with patients in normal group, the odds ratios (95% CIs) of macrovascular complications of diabetes were 0.64 (95% CI, 0.29-1.42) for those in sarcopenia group, 1.05 (95% CI, 0.56-1.97) in obesity group, and 2.45 (95% CI, 1.18-5.09) in SO group, respectively; the odds ratios (95% CIs) of microvascular complications of diabetes was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.58-1.55) for those in sarcopenia group, 0.80 (95% CI, 0.53-1.22) in obesity group, and 1.21 (95% CI, 0.69-2.11) in SO group, respectively.
Conclusion: According to our findings, SO, rather than sarcopenia or obesity alone, was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of macrovascular complications, in hospitalized patients with T2DM. This association was not observed for diabetic microvascular complications.
An asymptotic formula and a series expansion for bivariate Normal tail probability
Authors: Au Siu-Kui 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This work presents a new asymptotic formula for the bivariate Normal tail probability. It only requires the larger threshold to grow indefinitely, but otherwise has no restriction on how the thresholds grow. The correlation parameter can change and possibly depend on the thresholds. The formula is applicable regardless of Salvage condition. Asymptotically, it reduces to Ruben’s formula and Hashorva’s formula under the corresponding conditions, and therefore can be considered a generalisation. Under a mild condition, it satisfies Plackett’s identity on the derivative with respect to correlation parameter. Motivated by the asymptotic formula, a series expansion in terms of the derivatives of univariate Mill’s ratio is also obtained for the exact tail probability, whose terms can be calculated recursively. Based on the series expansion, a simple procedure is developed for general numerical computation by suitable redefinition of parameters. Examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical findings.
Psychometric analysis of the Emotional Availability Scales
Authors: Müller Jörg Michael , Elvert Christina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In the context of parent-child interaction, the Emotional Availability Scales (EAS; 4th ed.; Biringen, 2008) have been developed to capture a dyad’s emotional connection in observational settings by four parental and two child-related scales. This study aims to test the psychometric foundation of the EAS for a preschool-aged sample and complements analyses by Aran et al. (2022) for a sample of infants. The sample of parents and their preschool-aged children is a mixed clinically referred and non-clinical sample from a mid-sized city in Germany. Interactions were observed in a free-play setting and rated with the EAS by two blind and certificated raters. Several model tests indicate violations for the structural model as well as all six measurement models. An additional post hoc exploratory factor analysis with parallel analysis suggests a non-interpretable two-factor-structure. Psychometric analyses did not validate the EAS’ postulated structure and measurement model. A post hoc literature review showed that ceiling effects on the item and scale levels are not unique to our study. However traditional important concepts or terms of parent-child relationships covered by the EAS are not rejected by our study and can be assessed with alternative measures, but these also need psychometric evaluation in the future.
Application of Flood Frequency Analysis to Examine Spatiotemporal Households Flood Vulnerability in Karonga District and Lilongwe City, Malawi
Authors: Mwalwimba Isaac Kadono , Manda Mtafu , Ngongondo Cosmo , Mwalwimba Isaac Kadono 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Flood frequency analysis (FFA) is an important component of flood vulnerability assessment (FVA). It shows where floods might happen, and provides vulnerability data needed for decision-making processes. However, in developing countries like Malawi, there are limited studies that integrate FFA into spatiotemporal FVA. This informed the need to undertake this study in rural areas of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kilupula in Karonga District (KD) and Mtandire Ward in Lilongwe City (LC). The study utilized hydrological streamflow, Geographical Information System (GIS), and disaster profile data for the Lufilya and Lingadzi catchments in KD and LC respectively. Baseline data was collected from the Departments of Water Resources and Disaster Management Affairs in the Ministries of Water and Sanitation and Natural Resources and Climate Change respectively. Statistical methods and ArcGIS 10.8 were used to analyze data. The results found a higher expected flood for Lingadzi compared to Lufilya catchments in LC and KD respectively at different return periods. Various scales of spatiotemporal characteristics in the catchments contribute to high household flood vulnerability. This study provides a basis for integrating FFA into FVA in any region in the world because all the input data is globally available.
Microbial Influencers and Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD) susceptibility: A network perspective
Authors: Aqueel Rhea , Badar Ayesha , Ijaz Umer Zeeshan , Malik Kauser Abdulla 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Biotic stresses such as plant viruses e.g. Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCuV) can alter root-associated and leaf-associated microbial diversity in plants. There are complex ecological dynamics at play with each microbe contributing to multitude of biotic and abiotic interactions thus deciding the stability of the plant’s ecosystem in response to disease. Deciphering these networks of interactions is a challenging task. The inferential research in microbiome is also at a nascent stage, often constrained by the underlying analytical assumptions as well as the limitations with respect to the depth of sequencing. There is also no real consensus on which network-wide statistics to identify the influential microbial players in a network. Guided by latest developments in network science, particularly, recently published metrics such as Integrated View of Influence (IVI), and some other centrality measures, in this study, we provide an exposé of the most influential nodes in the rhizospheric and phyllospheric microbial networks of the Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD) susceptible, partially tolerant, and resistant cotton varieties.
Results
Our results indicate that the CLCuD resistant Gossypium arboreum possesses an equal share of keystone species which helps it in withstanding ecological pressures. In the resistant variety, the phyllosphere harbors the most influential nodes whereas in the susceptible variety they are present in the rhizosphere. Based on hubness score, spreading score and IVI, the top 10 occurring keystone species in FDH-228 (resistant) variety were Actinokineospora, Cohnella, Thermobacillus, Clostridium, Desulfofarcimen, and MDD-D21. Elusimicrobia, Clostridium-sensu-stricto_12, Candidatus woesebacteria, and Dyella were identified as the most influential nodes in PFV-1 (partially tolerant) variety. In the PFV-2 (susceptible) variety, the keystone species were identified as Georginia, Nesterenkonia, Elusimicrobia MVP-88, Acetivibrio, Tepedisphaerales, Chelatococcus, Nitrosospira, and RCP2-54.
Conclusion
Crop health is dependent on the microbiome influencers in its ecosystem. The CLCuD resistant Gossypium arboreum has an abundance of Firmicutes and only limited phyla as opposed to the susceptible variety where there is a vast variety of bacterial phyla in its top keystone species. The stability of the FDH-228 network helps it in handling perturbations better. This approach helps us in deciphering the diseased and healthy plant’s response to viral disease which may be microbially mediated.
A New Electrostatic Tunable Capacitor For Wide Ranges Of Applications
Authors: Razaghpour Davoud , Ghasemi Mir Majid , Fathi Amir 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

A new electrostatically tunable capacitor for wide range of frequencies is proposed in this paper. A complete design rule is proposed to design a variable capacitor in the range of 0.01 pF – 2.05 pF due the its application. The designed capacitor occupies 0.03 mm 2 – 1.12 mm 2 space based on the required capacitance value which is so small comparing the related published works. The floating technique is used to get the high-quality factor. The quality factor of the proposed capacitor is in the range of 45 to 100 over the frequency range of 1.28G to 2.78GHz, and also the tunability range of the tunable capacitor is 374%. After presenting a complete design rule with the related equations, the proposed capacitor is used in an amplifier circuit with a spiral inductor and the performance of the proposed capacitor is evaluated and compared with other capacitors. The COMSOL Multiphysics is used for simulation.
Contribution of parasite and host genotype to immunopathology of schistosome infections
Authors: Jutzeler Kathrin S. , LeClec'h Winka , Chevalier Frédéric D. , Anderson Timothy J.C. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
The role of pathogen genotype in determining disease severity and immunopathology has been studied intensively in microbial pathogens including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses, but is poorly understood in parasitic helminths. The medically important blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni is an excellent model system to study the impact of helminth genetic variation on immunopathology. Our laboratory has demonstrated that laboratory schistosome populations differ in sporocyst growth and cercarial production in the intermediate snail host and worm establishment and fecundity in the vertebrate host. Here, we (i) investigate the hypothesis that schistosome genotype plays a significant role in immunopathology and related parasite life history traits in the vertebrate mouse host and (ii) quantify the relative impact of parasite and host genetics on infection outcomes.
Methods
We infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice with four different laboratory schistosome populations from Africa and the Americas. We quantified disease progression in the vertebrate host by measuring body weight and complete blood count (CBC) with differential over an infection period of 12 weeks. On sacrifice, we assessed parasitological (egg and worm counts, fecundity), immunopathological (organ measurements and histopathology), and immunological (CBC with differential and cytokine profiles) characteristics to determine the impact of parasite and host genetics.
Results
We found significant variation between parasite populations in worm numbers, fecundity, liver and intestine egg counts, liver and spleen weight, and fibrotic area, but not in granuloma size. Variation in organ weight was explained by egg burden and by intrinsic parasite factors independent of egg burden. We found significant variation between infected mouse lines in cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α), eosinophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts.
Conclusions
This study showed that both parasite and host genotype impact the outcome of infection. While host genotype explains most of the variation in immunological traits, parasite genotype explains most of the variation in parasitological traits, and both host and parasite genotype impact immunopathology outcomes.
Stabilizing an Adverse Density Difference in the Presence of Phase Change
Authors: Johns Lewis , Narayanan Ranga 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Given two phases in equilibrium in a porous solid, the heavy phase lying above the light phase in a gravitational field, we stabilize this adverse density arrangement by heating from below and derive a formula for how steep the temperature gradient must be to do this. The input temperature gradient has two effects on the stability of our system. Its effect on the heat convection is destabilizing, its effect on the heat conduction at the surface is stabilizing. By directing our attention to the case of zero growth rate, we obtain the critical value of the input temperature gradient as it depends on the permeability of the porous solid, the density difference across the surface, the distance between the planes bounding our system, and the physical properties.
Our problem makes connections to the Benard problem where it has two, one, or no critical points, and to the Rayleigh-Taylor problem where it has no critical points.
Untangling Urban Mobility: A Health Geographic Perspective on Transportation Usage
Authors: Ahn Young-Jin , Juraev Zuhriddin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study examines the complex relationships between health, geography and urban mobility in South Korea, focusing on trends in the use of buses, subways, and bicycles between 2018 and 2021. Statistical analyses are used to examine the relationships between these modes of transport, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show a significant positive correlation between metro and bus use, which illustrates their interdependence. In contrast, bicycle use shows no significant correlation, suggesting independent dynamics. The study enriches our understanding of health geography in the urban environment and provides insights for policy makers, urban planners, and public health professionals around the world. The findings are particularly important for understanding transport dynamics amid external health challenges. The study not only contributes to academic discussions, but also provides guidance for future research on the multiple factors that influence urban mobility.
Enhancing Biochemistry Assessment Quality in Medical Education Through Item Response Theory (IRT)
Authors: Baharuddin Baharuddin , Handayani Lilis , Rusli Rusli 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
In medical education, particularly in biochemistry, crafting high-quality assessment questions is a primary challenge. Each item necessitates thorough evaluation, and precise identification of student abilities is crucial for maximally reflecting learning achievement.
Objective
This study aims to enhance assessment quality in biochemistry medical education by implementing Item Response Theory (IRT). This approach addresses Classical Test Theory (CTT) limitations. Recognizing the critical role of question quality in the learning process, the study investigates how IRT can more holistically and equitably assess student abilities. It includes a comparative analysis of student scores before and after IRT implementation.
Methods
Employing a mixed-method research approach, this study combines comparative quantitative analysis with qualitative ICC curve analysis in a pre-post experimental design. It focuses on biochemistry exam data from medical students (n = 89). IRT is used to measure the probability of student responses to questions, using parameters such as discrimination, difficulty level, and guessing probability. Jamovi software supports this analysis by accelerating computational processes.
Results
Significant improvements were observed in both question quality and student scores. Prior to IRT implementation, the average initial exam score was 56.1, which increased to 74.1 in the subsequent exam. The IRT evaluation indicated that the exam questions achieved a more effective differentiation between students of varying abilities. This improvement was evident from the increased person reliability and through Wright Map visualizations, which helped identify highly difficult questions via the Item Characteristic Curve (ICC).
Conclusion
The study advocates for integrating IRT as a standard method in biochemistry medical assessments. It highlights the necessity of assessments that are sensitive to individual student capabilities, providing more precise feedback for enhancing the quality of learning. These findings are crucial for evolving evaluation methodologies and advancing medical education standards.
Synthesis of sodium silicate from the acid leached calcined kaolinitic clay residue of aluminum sulfate industry
Authors: Alsagheer nabil , Aboulfotouh Gamal 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Acid leached calcined kaolinitic clay (ALCKC) is a residue of aluminum sulfate coagulant manufacturing process; it is a solid acidic waste that is harmful to environment. Silica dissolution process was systematically studied, including the thermodynamic analysis and the inﬂuence of aluminum content on the leaching of amorphous silica. Simulation studies have shown that aluminum combine with silicon to form silica–alumina gel, and zeolite, thereby preventing the leaching of silica. Maximizing the removal of aluminum, iron and titanium can eﬀectively improve the leaching of silica in the subsequent process, and corresponding element removal rates are 45%, 41% and 15%, respectively. The removed aluminum is reused to prepare PAC. The silica extraction rate reached 88% at a conditions of (NaOH; 20%, NaOH to ALCKC; (v/ w) 5, 75°C, 2h), and sodium silicate modulus (nSiO2:nNa2O) is 1.1. The results indicated that a large amount of silica was existed in amorphous form. Precipitated silica was obtained by acidifying sodium silicate solution at a pH 7.0 using sulphuric acid. The prepared sodium silicate (1.1) was used for further synthesis of sodium silicate with nSiO2:nNa2O = more than 3