bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL-1β and iNOS May Contribute to Asthmatic Comorbidities and Decreased Lung Function in Children with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Kim Song Hee , Oh Inbo , Lee Jiho , Woul Han Myung 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis (AR) often coexist, with a significant number of AR patients eventually developing asthma. Early detection and treatment of AR can prevent disease progression and enhance the quality of life.
Objectives and Methods: This study explores the roles of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) in the comorbidity of AR and asthma, as well as their impact on lung function in Korean children with perennial AR. A cohort of 240 subjects (aged 6-10 years old) with AR and comorbid asthma were assessed for various biomarkers, including IL-1β, iNOS, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) markers. We examined the blood levels of eosinophils and Immunoglobulin E (IgE). IL-1β, CCL-24, E-cadherin, and vimentin were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), while epithelial iNOS was evaluated with the NOS kit.
Results: Our observations revealed that elevated serum levels of IL-1β, iNOS, and vimentin emerged as significant risk factors for the development of AR and asthma comorbidity. Additionally, IL-1β, iNOS, and vimentin were identified as significant risk factors for decreased lung function in children with perennial AR. Moreover, IL-1β expression was found to correlate with the expression of E-cadherin, vimentin, and CCL-24. iNOS expression correlated with the expression of CCL-24 in children with AR. However, there was no observed correlation between IL-1β and iNOS.
Conclusions: This study underscores the significance of IL-1β and iNOS in the progression of AR and asthma comorbidity, suggesting them as potential targets for early intervention and treatment.
Structural insights into photosystem II supercomplex and trimeric FCP antennae of a centric diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana
Authors: Wang Wenda , Zhao Songhao , Shen Lili , Li Xiaoyi , Tao Qiushuang , Li Zhenhua , Xu Caizhe , Zhou Cuicui , Yang Yanyan , Sang Min , Han Guangye , Yu L.-J. , Kuang Tingyun , Shen Jian-Ren 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Diatoms are dominant marine algae and contribute around a quarter of the global primary productivity. The ecological success of diatoms is largely attributed to their photosynthetic capacity due to the presence of specific fucoxanthin chlorophyll-binding proteins (FCPs) as antennae to enhance the absorption of blue-green light under water. We purified a PSII-FCPII supercomplex and a trimeric FCP from Cyclotella meneghiniana (Cm), and solved their structures by single particle cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM). The structures showed detailed organizations of monomeric, dimeric and trimeric FCP antennae, as well as new assemblies of an Lhcx6_1 and dimeric FCP-H in the PSII core. In each Cm-PSII-FCPIImonomer, an Lhcx6_1, an FCP dimer and other three FCP monomers are bound, which form an efficient Chls a network to relay excitation energy. More diadinoxanthins and diatoxanthins are found in the FCPs, which may function to quench excess energy. The trimeric FCP contained more Chls c and fucoxanthins. These diversified FCPs and PSII-FCPII provide a structural basis for efficient light energy harvesting, transfer, and dissipation process in C. meneghiniana.
Respiratory Fits Test Panel Representing Population of Malaysia
Authors: Lim Yin Cheng , Soelar Shahrul Aiman , Shakor Ameerah Su’ad Abdul , Mohamad Nadia , Pahrol Muhammad Alfatih , Ismail¹ Rohaida , Danaee Mahmoud , Shaharudin Rafiza 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background:
The existing respiratory fits test panels (RFTPs) are based on Bivariate and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) which utilise American and Chinese head and facial dimensions. As RFTPs based on local facial anthropometric data for Malaysia are not available, this study was conducted with the aim to develop new RFTPs using Malaysian data.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted across Malaysia among 3,324 participants of the study of National Health and Morbidity Survey 2020 aged 18 and above. Ten head and facial dimensions were measured. Face length and face width were used to construct bivariate facial panel, whereas the scores from the first two PCA were used to develop the PCA panel.
Results:
This study showed that Malaysians have the widest upper limit for facial width. It also found that two factors could be reduced from the PCA analysis, with PCA 1 representing head and facial size and PCA 2 representing facial shape. Our bivariate panel could accommodate 94.1% of population, while our PCA panel accommodated 95.5%.
Conclusion:
This was the first study to use Malaysian head and facial anthropometry data to create bivariate and PCA panels. Respirators constructed using these panels are likely to fit > 94% of Malaysia's population.
Human-AI Collaboration to Identify Literature for Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Spillias Scott , Tuohy Paris , Andreotta Matthew , Annand-Jones Ruby , Boschetti Fabio , Cvitanovic Christopher , Duggan Joe , Fulton Elizabeth , Karcher Denis , Paris Cecile , Shellock Rebecca , Trebilco Rowan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Systematic approaches to evidence synthesis can improve the rigour, transparency, and replicability of a traditional literature review. However, these systematic approaches are time and resource intensive. We evaluate the ability of OpenAI’s ChatGPT to undertake two initial stages of evidence syntheses (searching peer-reviewed literature and screening for relevance) and develop a novel collaborative framework to leverage the best of both human and AI intelligence. Using a scoping review of community-based fisheries management as a case study, we find that with substantial prompting, the AI can provide critical insight into the construction and content of a search string. Thereafter, we evaluate five strategies for synthesising AI output to screen articles based on predefined inclusion criteria. We find low omission rates (< 1%) of relevant literature by the AI are achievable, which is comparable to that of human screeners. These findings show that generalised AI tools can assist reviewers with evidence synthesis to accelerate the implementation and improve the reliability of a review.
Higher atherogenic index of plasma is associated with hyperuricemia: a national longitudinal study
Authors: Xu Feifei , Ma Chengyong , Wang Shouping , Li Qin , Zhang Zhongwei , He Min 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The association between atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and hyperuricemia remains indistinct. We aimed to examine the relationship between the level of AIP and hyperuricemia among the middle aged and the elderly Chinese population.
Methods
The dataset were retrieved from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) survey conducted in 2011 and 2015. 13,021 participants in the CHARLS in 2011, and 7,017 participants involved in 2011 and 2015 were included in the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively. The measurement of AIP and hyperuricemia was based on the test of fasting blood. The association between AIP and hyperuricemia was assessed by logistic regression, and the non-linear association was examined by restricted cubic splines (RCS).
Results
In the section of cross-sectional study, a positive association between AIP and hyperuricemia was found. The Odds ratios (ORs) of hyperuricemia were 1.00 (reference), 1.52(1.10–2.10), 1.80(1.31–2.47) and 3.81(2.84–5.11). Non-linear association was not detected using RCS analysis. There were 664 hyperuricemia cases during four years follow-up. The hyperuricemia prevalence was 9.5%. In a fully adjusted regression model, across the quartiles of AIP, the ORs for hyperuricemia were 1.00 (reference), 1.00(0.74–1.37), 1.59(1.20–2.11), 2.55(1.94–3.35).
Conclusion
AIP can predict the prevalence of hyperuricemia in Chinese middle-aged and elderly population.
An investigation on humans’ sensitivity to environmental temperature
Authors: Laura Battistel , Andrea Vilardi , Massimiliano Zampini , Riccardo Parin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Thermal perception research has focused on detecting temperature changes on specific body parts, while investigating thermal comfort aims to understand comfortable temperatures in an environment. However, understanding overall body thermal perception remains challenging. To address this, we used four climate chambers with temperatures between 24°C ± 1°C, where 26 participants transitioned between chambers and indicated if the temperature felt warmer or colder. We collected 3120 temperature comparisons and analysed the data using generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMM). Results showed a Point of Subjective Equality (PSE) of − 0.13°C (± 0.1°C), a Just Noticeable Difference (JND) of 0.38°C (± 0.1°C), revealing the minimum detectable temperature change, a negative absolute threshold of − 0.91°C (± 0.28°C) and a positive absolute threshold of 0.8°C (± 0.34°C). These findings demonstrate participants’ accurate temperature discrimination abilities (JND) and limited variation between individuals, suggesting an intrinsic mechanism governing temperature sensitivity. The GLMM analysis demonstrated remarkable accuracy in explaining the observed data, with an R-squared value of 0.72. In conclusion, our experiment provides compelling evidence of human sensitivity to environmental temperatures, addressing a long-standing question in the field of thermal perception.
Sleep-related painful erections: a survey-based analysis of patient-reported experiences with diagnosis and management
Authors: Patel Premal , Wong Rachel , Bal Dhiraj , Chung David , Yafi Faysal , Lumbiganon Supanut 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Sleep-related painful erection (SRPE) is a condition characterized by painful nocturnal erections and frequent nighttime awakenings. The pathophysiology of SRPE is not well understood and existing literature consists mainly of case reports. We aimed to investigate the causes, treatments, and impact on quality of life among individuals affected by SRPE. A questionnaire comprising 30 items was administered to a group of men with SRPE. The survey collected information on demographics, clinical and social history, symptomatology, interventions and quality of life. 44 patients with SRPE responded to the survey, with a mean age of 43.3 years. Most respondents had no relevant medical history related to erectile function disorders. 43% of subjects reported sleep apnea, and 27% reported a mental health disorder or psychiatric medication use. Baclofen was the most common medication, but only 25% of patients found it beneficial. Sleep repositioning, oxygen device use and pelvic floor therapy were interventions that provided the most relief. Most patients did not require emergency department visits (93%); only a small number needed penile aspiration (n=2). As reported by most respondents, SRPE significantly impacted patients' quality of life. The findings highlight the need for further research to understand SRPE better and develop effective treatment options.
Secure and Practical High Capacity Coverless Image Steganography Approach : WYSAWIS
Authors: Fotso Damaris B. M. , Ebele Serge A. , Ekodeck Stéphane G. R. , Ndoundam René 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Rather than directly embed the secret message in pixels of an image, the new concept of coverless image steganography hides a message in a cover image without modifying it, which significantly increases the resilience to image steganalysis tools. Existing high capacity coverless image steganography methods do not provide an efficient algorithm for rapidly generating the large number of possible hash sequences. Moreover, the sending of additional information generated during the hiding process and essential for extraction is not explicitly defined. In this paper, we propose WYSAWIS, a high capacity coverless image steganography approach. Given an image initially subdivided into blocks of size 4*4, we generate from each block an initial 15-bit hash sequence, then a set of all the combinations of this sequence. The latter constitutes the set of hash sequences of that block.To send a secret message, it is first subdivided into 15-bit segments,and each segment is mapped to a hash sequence of a block, whose position in the block determines the position of the message segment. All these positions called location information are sent using a distributed data hiding technique in a single cloud. Compared to what has been done in the literature before, our hashing algorithm makes it possible to use a single cover image to send a secret message of any size. This definitely overcomes the limits of building a large image data set and sending in order a large number of stego images. Moreover, the popularization of cloud services makes the transfer of location information innocuous and practical
CBLL1 is hypomethylated and correlates with cortical thickness in transgender men before gender affirming hormone treatment
Authors: Fernández Rosa , Zubiaurre-Elorza Leire , Ojeda Natalia , Collet Sarah , Kiyar Meltem , T’Sjoen Guy , Mueller Sven C. , Guillamon Antonio , Pásaro Eduardo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background:Gender identity refers to the psychological consciousness of being a man, a woman or other condition. Generally, it is congruent with the sex assigned at birth; however, for some people, it is not. If the incongruity is distressing, it is defined as gender dysphoria (GD). Here, we measured whole-genome DNA methylation by the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 850 array and report its correlation with cortical thickness (CTh) in 22 transgender men (TM) experiencing GD versus 25 cisgender men (CM) and 28 cisgender women (CW).
Results:TM showed differences in the methylation degree of CBLL1 and DLG1 genes that correlated with global and left hemisphere CTh. Both genes were hypomethylated in TM compared to the cisgender group. These genes are involved in neuronal myelination and CBLL1 modulates alpha estrogen receptor transactivation through competitive interference with the estrogen receptor coactivators SRC1 and SRC2. Early onset TM showed a positive correlation between CBLL1 and several cortical regions. Methylation of CBLL1 positively correlated with CTh in the frontal (left caudal middle frontal), temporal (right inferior temporal, left fusiform) and parietal cortices (left supramarginal and right paracentral).
Conclusions: This is the first study relating CBLL1methylation with CTh in transgender persons and supports a neurodevelopmental hypothesis of gender identity.
Experimental study to estimate the criteria for shallow landslides under various geological conditions
Authors: SONG Young-Suk , SONG Hyo-Sung 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to experimentally estimate the criteria for shallow landslide occurrence using hydrological indicators such as matric suction and volumetric water content for representative soils with the different geological condition in which landslides frequently occur in South Korea. To investigate the detection criteria for shallow landslides, a series of landslide model tests are conducted using weathered soils obtained from regions of granite, gneiss, and mudstone where landslides occur. A landslide model test device, which includes a rainfall simulator, a slope model flume, and a measurement system with sensors, is developed to simulate shallow landslides that generally occur on natural slopes during rainfall. Based on the results of the model test, an infinite slope stability analysis considering the suction stress of unsaturated soil is applied to analyze changes in the safety factor of the slopes according to rainfall. Using the domestic standard of slope design used in South Korea, landslide detection criteria based on safety factor of slope are recommended as 1.3 for attention-level alerts and 1.0 for warning-level alerts. The matric suction corresponding to the attention and warning levels are defined as critical matric suctions, and the volumetric water contents corresponding to the critical matric suctions on the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) are defined as critical volumetric water contents. The proposed critical matric suctions and critical volumetric water contents can potentially be used as basic data to detect the time of shallow landslide occurrence and issue the landslide early warning.
Assessment of ecosystem service value variation over land use/land cover dynamics in the Beles River Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Aligas Yenesew Assaye , Gessesse Gizaw Desta , Molla Eyayu , Bekele Daniel , Kindu Mengistie 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study was assess the status of ecosystem service values (ESVs) due to changes in land use and land cover (LULC) in the Beles River Basin of Ethiopia to establish the scientific basis for the actionable needs for enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem functions. Satellite images of Landsat 5TM (1986), 7ETM+(2002), and 8OLI-TIRS (2019) were used to evaluate the LULC changes over the years. All images were classified using supervised classification technique of a Maximum Likelihood Algorithm (MLA). Accuracy assessments were performed for each reference year. The LULC types were classified with overall accuracy ranging from 89.3–92.1% with Kappa coefficient of 0.87 to 0.9. The classification result indicated a reduction of forests (71.0%), woodlands (11.2%), and grazing lands (1.8%) conversely, an increase of croplands (3568.0%), water bodies (178.1%), and built-up areas (9.4%) over the past 34 years. The total ESVs in the basin were estimated to be US$ 1,085 billion in 1986, US$ 909.4 million in 2002, and US$ 836.5 million in 2019. The percentage losses of ESVs were 22.9% (US$ 249.3 million) over the past three decades. Individual ecosystem service functions, such as erosion control, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and water treatment, which were among the largest contributors to total ESVs, have also linearly decreased on their values. In contrary, the value of food production ecosystem service function increased dramatically. We conclude that the decline in ESVs evidences the effects of environmental degradation in the basin. Thus, we recommend further studies of sustainable land management (SLM) options that could ensure sustainable ecosystem services in the basin.
The physiological and clinical-behavioral effects of heart rate variability biofeedback in adolescents with autism: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thoen Anoushka , Alaerts Kaat , Prinsen Jellina , Steyaert Jean , Damme Tine 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Adolescents with autism present lower levels of cardiac vagal modulation (CVM). It was hypothesized that Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) increases CVM in adolescents with autism, resulting in positive effects on physiological and psychosocial parameters. It was also hypothesized that home-based HRVB training is feasible.
Methods
In a single-blind, randomized sham-controlled pilot trial, adolescents with autism performed supervised HRVB (n = 24) or sham training (n = 20). Subsequently, half of the adolescents received HRVB training at home, whereas the other subset did not practice. Physiological, cortisol and behavioral data were collected during stress-provoking assessments before and after each training period.
Results
Supervised HRVB resulted in a late increase in CVM in adolescents with autism. Heart rate increased and cortisol decreased significantly immediately after supervised HRVB, but none of these effects remained after follow-up. Following supervised HRVB, no significant change in psychosocial functioning was found. Home-based HRVB was feasible, adolescents reported lower symptoms of stress, but a significant decrease in compliance rate was found.
Conclusion
HRVB is feasible and effective in adolescents with autism given the late-emerging increases in CVM and decrease in stress symptoms. Replicating this study with a larger sample and further exploration of the working mechanisms of HRVB are recommended.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04628715.
PET Imaging for The Early Evaluation of Ocular Inflammation in Diabetic Rats by Using [ 18 F]-DPA-714
Authors: Chen peng , ding Nannan , Pan Donghui , Chen Xuelian , Li ShiYi , Luo Yidan , Chen Ziqing , Xu Yuping , Zhu Xue , Zou Wenjun , Wang Ke 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Ocular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) are the key leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Ocular inflammation is estimated to occur in the early stage of DM; however, there is no effective quantitative method for evaluating the inflammatory status in eye under diabetic status. The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), an evolutionary conserved cholesterol binding protein localized in the outer mitochondrial membrane, is the biomarker of activated microglia/macrophages, while its role in ocular inflammation is rarely reported. Primary microglia/macrophages (PMs) extracted from the cornea, retina, choroid and sclera of neonatal rats were treated with or without high glucose (50 mM) and used as in vitro model, and SD rats with intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg kg−1 once) were used as in vivo model. Then, fluorine-18-DPA-714 ([18F]-DPA-714), as a specific TSPO tracer, was used for cell uptake and cell binding experiments as well as micro positron emission tomography (microPET) imaging. Increased cell uptake and high binding affinity of [18F]-DPA-714 were observed in primary PMs under hyperglycemia stress, which was consistent with morphological changes, cell activation and TSPO overexpression (p<0.05). Then, [18F]-DPA-714 uptake and biodistribution in eye of DM rats was found to be significantly increased at early stage (3 week and 6 week), which was consistent with microglia/macrophages activation and up-regulated TSPO in eye (p<0.05). [18F]-DPA-714 microPET imaging may be an important method for the early evaluation of ocular inflammation in DM.
An analytical reliability performance assessment of Cell-Free Massive MIMO systems for 5G and Beyond cellular networks
Authors: HOSANY Mussawir Ahmad , Dobee Lalitesh 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In today’s realm, the 5G cellular networks offer a new era of fully digital environment by connecting people anywhere anytime. This era requires inspiring demands to the networks in terms of spectral and energy efficiencies, low-latency and ultra-reliable communications. A major development to deal with these unparalleled demands is the introduction of Cell-Free Massive MIMO (CF mMIMO) systems to the cellular network. In recent years, mathematical foundations have been laid for a CF mMIMO communication system to evaluate the spectral and energy efficiencies given the number of access points. Various existing literatures have adopted mathematical models to formulate closed-form expressions for these efficiencies using uncorrelated Rayleigh fading for simple linear processing detectors. In this paper, we try to address a compelling and interesting question which has not received much attention lately. The question is how to evaluate the reliability of a connected user terminal in both a CF mMIMO and conventional mMIMO system? We answer this question by first analyzing the signal models for both systems assuming exact channel estimates and consider an uncorrelated Rayleigh fading channel model. The exact Bit Error Rate, as a reliability assessment, in closed-form are then derived based on strong mathematical foundations, which are simple to numerically evaluate in Matlab R2022, for MPSK and MQAM modulation schemes. The mathematical models presented in this work can be used in 5G and Beyond 5G networks to evaluate the distributions of error rates for a user given the number of Access points or Base Station antennas and modulation scheme. Machine Learning algorithms can be applied to the analytical expressions with a view to predict the error performance of a user terminal given the fading characteristic of the propagation environment.