bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional biomarkers for multiple system atrophy: an update and future directions
Authors: Wan Linlin , Zhu Sudan , Chen Zhao , Qiu Rong , Tang Beisha , Jiang Hong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMultiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease. Biomarkers are urgently required for MSA to improve the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in clinic and facilitate the development and monitoring of disease-modifying therapies. In recent years, significant research efforts have been made in exploring multidimensional biomarkers for MSA. However, currently few biomarkers are available in clinic. In this review, we systematically summarize the latest advances in multidimensional biomarkers for MSA, including biomarkers in fluids, tissues and gut microbiota as well as imaging biomarkers. Future directions for exploration of novel biomarkers and promotion of implementation in clinic are also discussed.
Cytotoxicity of subcritical water extracts obtained from byproducts generated at commercial pecan shelling operations on cancer cells
Authors: Gur Canan Sevimli , Dunford Nurhan Turgut , Gumus Zinar Pinar 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study examined potential of the extracts obtained from the byproducts generated at commercial pecan nut-shelling operations in cancer treatment. The subcritical water extracts obtained from two varieties, Native and Pawnee, were analyzed for their phenolic contents and compositions. Effects of the extracts on viability and IC50 of the human cell lines representing a broad range of cancer types, cervical, lung, skin, breast, colon and prostate cancers, were investigated. Although the effect of the temperature on the phenolic contents and compositions of the extracts was not statistically significant, the influence of the variety was extensive. The pecan shell extracts were not cytotoxic to the healthy cell line Vero in the concentration range examined. Some of the pecan shell extracts had greater efficay than Doxorubicin, a drug used in cancer chemotherapy, in reducing cancer cell viability. This study is novel and practical implications of the data generated in this study are noteworthy, because this is the first report on the beneficial effects of subcritical water extracts obtained from pecan shelling industry byproducts on a broad range of cancer cell lines. It is likely that the experimental data presented in this study will support and encourage future research on the biological pathways involved in the interactions of the cancer cells and the extracts. The findings of this study will facilitate research on downstream processing and purification of the crude extracts exhibiting high cancer cell cytotoxcity, potentially improving the final product efficacy and lead to commercial applications.
Graphical Abstract
An introductory review of the thermal structure of subduction zones: I—motivation and selected examples
Authors: van Keken Peter E. , Wilson Cian R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe thermal structure of subduction zones is fundamental to our understanding of physical and chemical processes that occur at active convergent plate margins. These include magma generation and related arc volcanism, shallow and deep seismicity, and metamorphic reactions that can release fluids. Computational models can predict the thermal structure to great numerical precision when models are fully described but this does not guarantee accuracy or applicability. In a trio of companion papers, the construction of thermal subduction zone models, their use in subduction zone studies, and their link to geophysical and geochemical observations are explored. In part I, the motivation to understand the thermal structure is presented based on experimental and observational studies. This is followed by a description of a selection of thermal models for the Japanese subduction zones.
A case study assessing the impact of mating frequency on the reproductive performance of the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes
Authors: Cecere Andrew G. , Cook Rachel A. , Miyashiro Tim I. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The symbiosis between the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes and bacterium Vibrio fischeri serves as a model for investigating the molecular mechanisms that promote the initial formation of animal-bacterial symbioses. Research with this system frequently depends on freshly hatched E. scolopes, but the husbandry factors that promote hatchling production in a mariculture facility remain underreported. Here we report on the reproductive performance of E. scolopes in response to decreased mating frequency.

Results
One animal cohort was maintained in a mariculture facility for 107 days, with females assigned to either a control group (mating once every 14 days) or an experimental group (mating once every 21 days). No differences between the groups were observed in survival, the number of egg clutches laid, or hatchling counts. Each group featured multiple females that were hyper-reproductive, i.e., they generated more than 8 egg clutches while in captivity. Examination of the distributions for daily hatchling counts of individual egg clutches revealed significant variation in the hatching patterns among clutches that was independent of mating frequency. Finally, an assessment of hatchling production showed that 93.5% of total hatchlings produced by the cohort were derived from egg clutches laid within the first 70 days.

Conclusions
These results suggest a lower mating frequency does not impede hatchling production. Furthermore, the variation in hatchling production among egg clutches provides new insight into the reproductive performance of E. scolopes as a lab animal for microbiology research.
Mental health attitudes in Malta: a cross-sectional survey exploring the knowledge and perceptions of general practitioner trainees
Authors: Zammit Daniela , Grech Jonathan , Abela Patrick , Mamo David 
Published: July 2023

Aims and methodThis study aimed to assess current levels of knowledge, opinions and attitudes regarding mental health among the local cohort of general practitioner trainees (n = 45) working in Malta. A questionnaire adapted from the Mental Health Literacy Scale was used. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation tests.ResultsAll participants had scores equal to or more than the mean score in their knowledge and confidence assessments; 51% of the participants achieved the maximum score for a very positive attitude towards mental health, with such scores found particularly among female trainees. Increased levels of knowledge are associated with a more positive attitude, which can in turn lead to greater acceptance and reduce stigma.Clinical implicationsKnowledge is a powerful tool for reducing stigma and improving the doctor–patient relationship, indicating that regular training initiatives are necessary to equip budding general practitioner specialists with the necessary skills and confidence.
Effect of lactoferrin in oral nutrition supplement (ONS) towards IL-6 and IL-10 in failure to thrive children with infection
Authors: Widjaja Nur Aisiyah , Hamidah Azizah , Purnomo Marissa Tulus , Ardianah Eva 
Published: July 2023

Background: Growth failure due to infection in children is a major health problem throughout the world. It provokes a systemic immune response, with increased interleukin (IL)-6 and reduced IL-10. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a multifunctional iron-binding protein that can be found in whey protein inside formula milk such as oral nutrition supplement (ONS), which can upregulate anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) and modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study investigates the effect of Lf supplementation in ONS on IL-6 and IL-10 levels in children with failure to thrive and infection. Methods: We performed a quasi-experimental pre- and post-study in children aged 12–60 months old with failure to thrive due to infectious illness. The subjects received 400 ml of oral nutritional supplements (ONS, 1 ml equivalent to 1 kcal) each day for 90 days, and their parents received dietary advice and medication based on the underlying illness. Blood was drawn to measure IL-6 and IL-10 before and after the intervention. Results: There were 75 subjects recruited and divided into group-1 and group-2 based on age. The incidence of undernutrition was 37.33%. Lf in ONS intervention improved body weight and body length. Lf also reduced IL-6, although there was not a significant difference before and after the intervention. However, the IL-6 reduction was significantly higher in subjects with undernutrition compared with subjects with weight faltering. Pre-intervention IL-6 levels were higher in children with stunting than in children with normal stature. There was a greater change in IL-6 in children with severe stunting than in children with normal stature or stunting. IL-10 was significantly reduced after the intervention. Conclusions: In addition to improving body weight and length, Lf supplementation in ONS improved immune response homeostasis by balancing IL-6 and IL-10 levels and by improving the IL-6/IL-10 ratio. ClinicalTrials.gov number ID: NCT05289674, dated May 3rd 2022.
Changes in the readiness of healthcare systems to provide diabetes- and cardiovascular disease-related services: A comparison of indices using data from the 2014 and 2017 Bangladesh Health Facility Surveys
Authors: Jahan Farhana , Ahmed Anisuddin , Mohsin Faroque Md. , Rahman Sorforajur , Sayeed Abu , Nahar Lailatun , Mitra Diapk Kumar 
Published: July 2023

Background: The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh is a significant obstacle for the government's already under-resourced healthcare centers and healthcare management. This study aimed to determine whether healthcare services are prepared to handle cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes in the future. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the Bangladesh Health Facilities Survey (BHFS) 2014 and 2017 data. The BHFS 2014 completed assessment of 317 facilities providing diabetes care and 407 facilities providing CVD care, while the 2017 BHFS included 305 and 368 facilities providing diabetes and CVD care, respectively. Results: A slight increase in facility readiness status was observed in 2017 compared with 2014, though it was not statistically significant. District hospitals (DHs) and Upazila health complexes (UHCs) showed improvement in staff and guidelines, basic equipment, diagnostic capabilities, and essential drugs, as their Readiness Index (RI) value increased in 2017 from 2014. The RI values of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) clinics were 48.65% in 2014, whereas the value was slightly increased to 55.28% in 2017. For private clinics, the RI value diminished in 2017 (56.11%), which was lower than the 2014 survey (60.62%). There was a slightly mixed trend for public and private facilities regarding managing CVDs. In DHs and UHCs, the RI value decreased to 58.5% and 53.06% in 2017 from 64.04% and 53.02% in 2014. NGO clinics were valued at 48.65% in 2014, which dropped to 44.53%. For private clinics, the value showed a decreasing trend as the value in 2017 was 61.58%, lower than the value of 2014 (64.15%). Conclusions: In Bangladesh, public and private healthcare facilities lack readiness for healthcare towards DM and CVD maintenance. It is noteworthy that this improvement has been insignificant over the years in this regard. Healthcare policy reform is urgently required to strengthen NCD healthcare, particularly in public healthcare facilities.
Design of three-bit binary to gray converter based on metal–insulator–metal plasmonic waveguides
Authors: Abdulwahid Saif H. , Saeed Mohammed R. , Hadi Ahmed Adnan 
Published: July 2023

Using the finite element method and COMSOL version 5.5, a three-bit binary to gray converter with three plasmonic substructures and five input and three output ports was designed. Using a 520nm×200nm metal–insulator–metal plasmonic structure, the plasmonic converter was developed. In this configuration, the transmission threshold (Tthreshold) is set to 45% at an operating wavelength of 1310 nm. Utilizing the modulation depth, contrast ratio (CR), and insertion loss criteria, the effectiveness of the plasmonic converter is evaluated. For the first, second, and third output terminals, the CR has respective values of 40.1 dB, 9.3 dB, and 9.2 dB.
Generation of squeezed quantum microcombs with silicon nitride integrated photonic circuits
Authors: Jahanbozorgi Mandana , Yang Zijiao , Sun Shuman , Chen Haoran , Liu Ruxuan , Wang Beichen , Yi Xu 
Published: July 2023

A two-mode squeezed microresonator-based frequency comb is demonstrated with CMOS-compatible silicon nitride integrated photonic circuits. Seventy quantum modes, in a span of 1.3 THz, are generated in an integrated Kerr microresonator at telecommunication wavelengths.
Soliton microcomb-assisted microring photonic thermometer with ultra-high resolution and broad range
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wang Jin , Kang Guoguo , Gao Jianxin , Qu Zhier , Wan Shuai , Dong Chunhua , Pan Yijie , Qu Jifeng 
Published: July 2023

Whispering gallery mode resonators (WGMRs) have proven their advantages in terms of sensitivity and precision in various sensing applications. However, when high precision is pursued, the WGMR demands a high-quality factor usually at the cost of its free spectral range (FSR) and corresponding measurement range. In this article, we propose a high-resolution and wide-range temperature sensor based on chip-scale WGMRs, which utilizes a Si3N4 ring resonator as the sensing element and a MgF2-based microcomb as a broadband frequency reference. By measuring the beatnote signal of the WGM and microcomb, the ultra-high resolution of 58 micro-Kelvin (μK) was obtained. To ensure high resolution and broad range simultaneously, we propose an ambiguity-resolving method based on the gradient of feedback voltage and combine it with a frequency-locking technique. In a proof-of-concept experiment, a wide measurement range of 45 K was demonstrated. Our soliton comb-assisted temperature measurement method offers high-resolution and wide-range capabilities, with promising advancements in various sensing applications.
Soil-transmitted helminthiases among school-age children and their association with water, sanitation, and hygiene, Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Bokicho Belachew , Hailu Dejene , Eshetu Bethlehem , Matie Male , Tadele Tafese 
Published: July 2023

Background
Soil-transmitted helminthes pose the main health impact in tropical and sub-tropical regions, with children being at increased risk of infection. This study assessed the prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes among school children and their association with water, sanitation, and hygiene condition in Hawassa City, southern Ethiopia.

Methodology/Principal findings
A cross-sectional study design was employed on randomly selected 549 school-age children from 11 schools by using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and observation checklist. Stool samples were collected and tested as fresh within 2 hours using the Kato-Katz technique as standard procedure. Data were analyzed by SPSS software; results were summarized using descriptive statistics, and a logistic regression model. Levels of considerable tests were determined with a 95% confidence interval and P-values <0.05.
The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthes was 49.7% (95% CI: 45.7%, 53.9%). Overall, water and latrines services were below the standard of 20 liters per person per day and one latrine seat per 50 boys and 25 girls respectively. In particular, no habit of washing hands with water and soap, 1.9%, (95% CI: 1.2%, 3.0%); inaccessible to safe drinking water, 10.8%, (95% CI: 3.96%, 30.26%); inaccessible to improved latrine, 10.8%, (95% CI: 1.5%, 78.4%); and practicing open defecation at school compound, 9.4%, (95% CI: 1.5%, 57.2%) were the main issues of concern observed.

Conclusions/Significance
Almost half of the studied children were infected with one or more soil-transmitted helminthes. Schools had inadequate water, sanitation, and poor personal hygiene practices. The infection by soil-transmitted helminthes among school children was high. This study has indicated that water, sanitation, and hygiene-related factors were the main risk factors for helminthes infestation in the study area. The school community needs to focus on actions that promote hygiene practices in the school.
Dietary diversity practice and associated factors among adolescents in Ethiopia, systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ayele Fanos Yeshanew , Zerga Aregash Abebayehu , Gebeyehu Fikre Bayu , Tadesse Sisay Eshete , Zewude Segenet , Habteslasie Yeshi , Befekadu Zena 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundAdolescence (10–19 years) is a critical life period for growth and health. An increase in dietary diversity in the food is related to improved nutrient adequacy of the diet. However, studies conducted on dietary diversity practice among adolescents showed non-conclusive and inconsistent findings on the magnitude of the problem. Likewise, there was no meta-analysis conducted in the study area. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of good dietary diversity practice and its associated factors among adolescents in Ethiopia.MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline was followed. All articles were systematically searched by Google Scholar, PubMed, Hinari, Cochrane Library, Global Health and CINAHL. Meta-analysis was conducted by using STATA 14 software. Forest plots were used to present the pooled prevalence of good dietary diversity practices. A random effect model was used to compute the pooled prevalence; while subgroup analysis was performed to identify the possible source of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by the begg’s and egger’s test. Moreover, the associated factor of dietary diversity practices was observed.ResultsThis review involved 7 studies, and 3,950 participants. The pooled prevalence of good dietary diversity practice among adolescents in Ethiopia was 39.24% (95% CI: 30.82, 47.66). Mothers with formal education [AOR = 1.98, (95% CI: 1.65, 2.36)], fathers with formal education [AOR = 2.30, (95% CI: 1.81, 2.93)], Medium wealth index [AOR = 2.75, (95% CI: 1.96, 3.86)] and urban residence [AOR = 2.88, (95% CI: 1.59, 5.22)] were positively associated with good dietary diversity practice.ConclusionsThe pooled prevalence of good dietary diversity practices among adolescents is low. Being urban residents, the medium wealth quintile, mothers’ educational status and fathers’ educational status were independent factors of good dietary diversity practice among adolescents. Therefore, focused nutritional interventions should be given to rural residents and adolescents from low economic status.
Fumagillin regulates stemness and malignancies in cancer stem-like cells derived from liver cancer via targeting to MetAP-2
Authors: Zhang Ke , Hu Jian , Zhao Ziyi 
Published: July 2023

Background
Cancer relapse is associated with the presence of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), which lead to multidirectional differentiation and unrestricted proliferative replication. Fumagillin, a myocotoxin produced by the saprophytic filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, has been reported to affect malignant characteristics in hepatocellular cancer cells. However, its exact role in CSCs is still unknown.

Methods
CSCs were enriched by culturing cancer cells in serum-free medium. The effects of fumagillin on malignant cell characteristics and mitochondrial function were measured. The regulatory role of fumagillin on methionine aminopeptidase-2 (MetAP-2) was assessed.

Results
When it was supplemented in medium, fumagillin treatment inhibited sphere formation and the maintenance of stemness of CSCs without disturbing cell growth. Fumagillin also decreased stemness-related markers and the aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1)-positive proportion, which demonstrated that fumagillin decreases stemness in CSCs. It was also found to inhibit malignant traits in CSCs, including cell proliferation, invasion, and tumor formation, and sensitize CSCs to chemoagents, including sorafenib and doxorubicin, by promoting chemoagent-induced apoptosis. Moreover, fumagillin treatment was found to disturb mitochondrial membrane homeostasis, ATP synthesis and mitochondrial transcriptional activity. In addition, we found that fumagillin decreased MetAP-2 protein levels and exerted anti-CSC effects potentially by regulating MetAP-2. We also found that fumagillin treatment activated p53 and its transcriptional activity and thus caused cell cycle blockade. Moreover, fumagillin treatment significantly decreased tumor formation in nude mice.

Conclusion
This work offers evidence for fumagillin as a specific inhibitor of liver cancer CSCs and proposes a novel strategy for cancer therapy.
Anxiety and depression among caregivers of pediatric patients with tic disorder in western China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Zheng , Yang Chunsong , Yu Dan , Zeng Linan , Jia Zhi-Jun , Cheng Guo , Zhang Lingli 
Published: July 2023

Background
Caregivers of pediatric patients with tic disorders (TD) are at high risk for anxiety and depression, but the situation of this disorder was rarely reported based on the Chinese population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and potential contributing factors of anxiety and depression among caregivers of Chinese pediatric patients with TD.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out on caregivers of pediatric patients with TD at a women’s and children’s hospital in western China from January to June 2020. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data, including socio-demographic information, disease and medication status, family situation and social relationship, cognition and attitude towards TD and treatment. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS), respectively. The univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the cross-sectional data.

Results
A total of 318 participants were included in this study, with a response rate of 89.58% (318/355). The average age of pediatric patients with TD was 8.38 ± 2.54 years, and 78.30% (249/318) of caregivers were aged between 30–50 years old. Overall, 14.78% (47/318) of caregivers presented the symptom of anxiety, with a mean SAS score of 54.81±5.26, and 19.81% (63/318) of caregivers presented the symptom of depression, with a mean SDS score of 59.64±5.83. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the common family relationship (OR = 2.512, p = 0.024), and pediatric patients with unharmonious social relationships (OR = 5.759, p = 0.043) and with introverted personality (OR = 2.402, p = 0.023) were significantly associated with anxiety in caregivers of pediatric patients with TD, as well as the single-parent family (OR = 4.805, p = 0.011), mistaken cognition of TD (OR = 0.357, p = 0.031), and pediatric patients with fewer friends (OR = 3.377, p = 0.006) were significantly associated with depression.

Conclusions
Anxiety and depression are prevalent among caregivers of TD pediatric patients, which brings up the importance of psychiatric support for this group. Longitudinal studies need to be conducted to further confirm the causality before interventions to improve mental health are developed.