bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between total testosterone/sex hormone-binding globulin and stress urinary incontinence: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Long Shouyi , Luo Huijiu , Zhu Han , Chen Shulian , Sun Xianwu , Li Guangjie 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Observational studies have reported associations between total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, the causal relationship between total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and SUI remains unclear.
Method
Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for total testosterone from 425,097 individuals and sex hormone-binding globulin from 214,989 individuals, along with summary statistics of GWAS for SUI from 463,010 individuals. Instrumental variables (IVs) were selected using 73 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for total testosterone and 78 SNPs for sex hormone-binding globulin. Various MR methods, including inverse variance-weighted, MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and weighted mode, were employed to assess the causal relationship between total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and SUI. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using heterogeneity tests, pleiotropy tests, and leave-one-out sensitivity tests to validate the robustness of the data.
Results
Mendelian randomization analysis showed a significant association between total testosterone and SUI in IVW (OR = 0.9967; 95% CI:0.9945–0.9989, p = 0.0035), but no evidence of an effect of total testosterone on SUI was found in other methods. MR-Egger (OR = 0.9992, 95% CI: 0.9948–1.0037, p = 0.7463), weighted median (OR = 0.9990, 95% CI: 0.9954–1.0026, p = 0.5549). Additionally, in IVW (OR = 0.9988, 95% CI: 0.9979–0.9997, p = 0.0094), a causal relationship between sex hormone-binding globulin and SUI risk was also observed. However, no evidence of an effect of sex hormone-binding globulin on SUI was found in other methods. MR།Egger (OR = 0.9997, 95% CI: 0.9979–1.0014, p = 0.7334), weighted median (OR = 0.9992, 95% CI: 0.9978–1.0006, p = 0.2793).
Conclusion
The results of this study provide support for a causal relationship between total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and SUI. Higher levels of total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin are associated with a decreased risk of SUI. Additionally, the study's outcomes suggest the potential for improving or mitigating the severity of stress urinary incontinence through supplementation with total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin.
Comprehensive Analysis of m6A Modification in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice
Authors: Xu Chenzhen , Song Congkuan , Wang Wenjie , Liu Bohao , Li Guorui , Fu Tinglv , Hao Bo , Li Ning , Geng Qing 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most prevalent post-transcriptional modification in mRNA, and plays significant roles in various diseases. Nevertheless, the precise functions of m6A modification in the formation of ALI remain unclear. In this study we explore the probable roles of m6A modification in ALI.
Methods
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was utilized to establish an ALI mouse model. Real-time qPCR, Western blotting and m6A dot blot were utilized to assess m6A methylation level. MeRIP-Seq and RNA-seq were utilized to explore differential m6A modifications and differentially expressed genes in ALI mice.
Results
Our findings showed that overall m6A methylation level was increased in ALI mice lung tissues, accompanied by lower levels of METTL3 and FTO. Notably, the protein expression of these methylases were different in various cells. There were 772 differently expressed m6A peaks in ALI as compared to the control group, with 316 being hypermethylated and 456 being hypomethylated. GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated these differentially methylated genes were associated with the calcium signaling pathway and cAMP signaling pathway. Furthermore, we identified 50 genes with distinct m6A peaks and mRNA expressions by combined analysis of MeRIP-Seq and RNA-Seq. KEGG analysis also demonstrated that these overlapped genes were closely associated with the calcium signaling pathway, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, etc.
Conclusions
m6A modification was paramount in the pathogenesis of ALI, and provided a foundation for the further investigation in the prevention and treatment of ALI.
The Gut-Brain Axis System: A Genetic Perspective on Smoking and Glioma Risk Using Mendelian Randomisation and Toxicogenomics
Authors: Hou Weiyu , Zhang Jiachen , Zhao Xueming 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Several exposure factors are believed to increase the risk of glioma development and metastasis. However, few researches have figured out the mechanism behind it. In recent years, mendelian Randomisation studies have been popular to look for causality from a genetic perspective. Our study has found strong causality between nicotine consumption and glioma, and we have further investigated the specific molecules involved to provide a clearer explanation. We based our research on the gut-brain axis theory. The results not only indicate high independent risk of smoking on glioma, but also contribute to the development of gut-brain axis theory in the field of tumorigenesis, thereby promoting future advances in tumor therapy.
Somatic Embryogenesis and Genetic Fidelity in Camelina by RAPD Markers and Flow Cytometry
Authors: Bahmankar Moslem , Rahnama Hassan , Salehi Maryam , Noori Seyed Ahmad Sadat 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) is an oily, medicinal plant that is a member of the Brassicaceae family. It has a lot of important agronomic characteristics, including as good environmental adaptability and tolerance to cold, heat, pests, and diseases. The present investigation aimed to improve somatic embryogenesis, and camelina regeneration, and evaluate genetic stability in the regenerated plantlets using RAPD markers and flow cytometry. Two explants of the hypocotyl and cotyledon were used, together with four different combinations of PGRs made up of NAA, BAP, 2,4-D, and Kin, to optimize somatic embryogenesis and regeneration in Camelina. Because several somatic embryogenesis developmental phases could be observed on embryogenic calluses at the same time, the results suggested that somatic embryogenesis in camelina is a simultaneous occurrence. The greatest rate of somatic embryogenesis and regeneration was seen in the cotyledon explant grown in the MS + 0.3 mgL-1 NAA + 0.7 mgL-1 BAP. The results also revealed that the MS + 0.25 mgL− 1 IAA + 0.5 mgL− 1 NAA had the best rooting response and a favorable seedling survival rate. In the present work, RAPD markers were utilized for the first time in camelina to confirm the genetic fidelity of in vitro regenerated plants and their donor mother plant. The amplified products showed 64 different, scorable bands, and the regenerated plants were an identical replica of their donor mother plants. The fidelity of the ploidy level was assessed by flow cytometry, and the findings confirmed monomorphic patterns in both the regenerated plants and their donor mother plants. According to the present findings, it can be said generally that somatic embryogenesis may be advantageous for large-scale multiplication, breeding programs, and in vitro conservation in camelina.
Prognostic and Diagnostic Utility of Interleukin-6 in Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension - A case control study
Authors: Abdallah Mohamed , Abouelhassan Mohamed , Hadwa Eman 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in pediatrics is a progressive disease with significant vascular remodeling, right sided heart failure, and death if left untreated. Elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) level in PAH patients is taken as an independent predictor of adverse outcome including mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare serum levels of IL-6 in children with PAH and healthy matched controls, and correlate between between IL-6 and degree of PAH, as well as mortality.
Method: IL-6 was measured by ELISA in serum samples in 40 children with PAH (age 1-12 years) and 40 age and sex matched healthy controls.
Results: There was statistically significant increase in IL-6 level among PAH cases compared with the controls (1.85 ng/L vs 1.30 ng/L, p-value =0.004). IL-6 at cut off point 1.45ng/L significantly predict pulmonary hypertension in children, (AUC=0.685, 75% sensitivity, and 65% specificity with p=0.002). There was no statistically significant association between IL-6 level and degree of PAH (p=0.218). There was no statistically significant association between IL-6 level and mortality (p=0.662).
Conclusion: IL-6 significantly predict PAH in pediatrics but there is no association between IL-6 level and degree of PAH or mortality. IL-6 may provide a less costly, and less invasive method for disease detection.
Research on Prediction of Weathering Degree of Carbonaceous Mudstone Based on Entropy Weight-Cloud Model
Authors: Bai Wenjun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The difference in the degree of rock weathering has always been an important concern in tunnel engineering. In view of the randomness and ambiguity of determining the degree of rock weathering, four quantitative indicators including wave velocity ratio Kv, weathering coefficient Kf, cohesion c and chemical alteration index CIA are selected to establish an evaluation index system. The entropy weight method is used to determine the weight of each index, and the collective cloud model theory is used to establish a quantitative prediction model of the weathering degree of carbonaceous mudstone. Comparing five groups of engineering examples with the established model, it is found that there are deviations in the results of the two groups. The reason for this result is that the traditional determination of the degree of rock weathering is uncertain, and there is no unified standard for quantitative analysis. The entropy weight-normal cloud model comprehensively considers multiple influencing factors, eliminates uncertainty as much as possible, and gives the results of quantitative analysis, which has good practicability and reliability. It can provide a new idea for the weathering degree of carbonaceous mudstone.
Effects of mouthwash on periodontal pathogens and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Matayoshi Saaya , Tojo Fumikazu , Suehiro Yuto , Okuda Makoto , Takagi Misato , Ochiai Marin , Kadono Maika , Mikasa Yusuke , Nomura Ryota , Itoh Yoshito , Itoh Naoto , Nakano Kazuhiko 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Periodontitis is known to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and gargling with mouthwash is known to reduce the incidence of periodontitis by inhibiting periodontal pathogens. However, the effects of mouthwash on oral and systemic conditions in patients with T2DM remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of gargling with mouthwash on the number of red complex species, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia, and HbA1c levels in patients with T2DM. Patients were instructed to gargle with water for 6 months, followed by gargling with mouthwash containing chlorhexidine gluconate for the subsequent 6 months. At each clinic visit, saliva was collected and bacterial DNA was extracted to detect red complex species using the polymerase chain reaction technique. The HbA1c level was determined using a blood sample. The number of red complex species significantly decreased in younger or male patients while gargling with mouthwash. Furthermore, the number of red complex species significantly decreased in younger patients or patients with higher HbA1c levels while gargling with mouthwash. These results suggest that gargling with mouthwash reduces the number of red complex species and improves hyperglycemic status in patients with T2DM, especially younger patients.
Overexpression of ferroptosis-related gene NFS1 correlates with gastric cancer progression and tumor immune infiltration
Authors: Mao Zhiyun , Shi Zhongmei , Cui Ming , Ma Xiaohong , Wang Yan , Jing Rongrong , Wang Jingchun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the malignant tumors with the highest incidence in the world, however finding better biomarkers remains a challenge. Cysteine desulfurase (NFS1) has been found to regulate the biological functions of a variety of tumors, but the study in GC remains to be explored. In our study, NFS1 expression was predicted by TCGA, GTEx, UALCAN, and HPA databases. And immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed in 146 pairs of GC tissues and paired adjacent tissues to verify NFS1 expression. We found that NFS1 was up-regulated in GC tissues, which can be effectively diagnosed and dynamically monitored to evaluate the prognosis of GC patients. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the strong positive immunostaining was related to the degree of differentiation and the depth of invasion of GC patients. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that NFS1 might play a role in ferroptosis and tumor microenvironment (TME), including regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stromal response, and immune response. Moreover, the aberrant NFS1 expression was related to TMB, MSI, DNSss, RNAss, TME score in GC and drug sensitivity. In addition, in the NFS1 and immune correlation analysis, it was found that the expression level of NFS1 was correlated with a large number of immune cells and immune microenvironment characteristics. Our findings indicated that NFS1 was a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker associated with ferroptosis and TME, providing a new target for drug therapy and immunotherapy of specific cancers.
Assessing the Impact of Unconventioanal Median U-turn on Urban Arterial Road
Authors: Hanif Khadeja , Ahmed Kamran , Ud-Din Sameer , Ashraf Hassan , Haroon Muhammad 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Traffic congestion at signalized intersections is a recurring problem, especially on urban arterials during peak hours. To mitigate congestion, many signalized intersections, in developing countries like Pakistan, are being converted into U-turn, known as Unconventional Median U-turn (UMUT). This research aims to assess the effectiveness of this low-cost "indirect right turn" technique. The performance of the UMUT design was analyzed through various scenarios based on different traffic demands, percentages of right-turn traffic, and median U-turn offsets. Notably, this study focuses solely on the operational analysis of passenger cars, excluding bikes, and heavy vehicles. Additionally, it is limited to minor arterial urban and suburban roads, with no consideration for the U-turn movement on multilane highways. VISSIM, a traffic simulation software, was utilized to simulate intersections, and Python was employed as a programming language via the API (Application Programming Interface) COM interface to generate different UMUT scenarios in VISSIM. The evaluation parameters included average vehicular delay and vehicle travel time. MATLAB was used to develop vehicular delay equations and travel time models for all movements in the UMUT design. These models were based on simulation traffic data obtained from VISSIM. Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) with exponential relationships were used to accurately capture the associations between different input variables and output parameters. These models underwent internal validation procedures to ensure their reliability.
Exploring the Role of Sonication Fluid Culture In Periprosthetic Joint Infections: A Comparative Study with Conventional Methods
Authors: EREM Murat , SELÇUK Eşref , ÖZCAN Mert , ÖZTÜRK Gözde , ERYILDIZ Canan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Periprosthetic joint infection presents a significant challenge due to biofilm formation, necessitating effective detection methods. While traditional tissue and implant cultures are commonly used, the efficacy of sonication fluid culture (SFC) in identifying causative agents has been evaluated in numerous studies.
Methods
In this study, three cultures were evaluated for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection intraoperative periprosthetic tissue culture, implant culture, and SFC. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for each method, using the 2018 definition of periprosthetic hip and knee infection and clinical evaluation as references.
Results
Of the 92 patients who had implants removed, 49 were for mechanical reasons and 43 for infection. Positive cultures were obtained in 13 out of 49 patients with mechanical issues and 31 out of 43 with infections. The sensitivity of periprosthetic tissue cultures (53.5%) is slightly higher than SFC (48.8%), suggesting better detection of positive cases. However, SFC's specificity (83.7%) is higher, indicating more accurate identification of negative cases compared to periprosthetic cultures (73.5%). However, SFC identified additional pathogens in patients with negative periprosthetic tissue and implant cultures. Examination of the infected knee and hip prostheses showed that SFC enhanced pathogen detection, particularly in patients with negative implant cultures. Despite this, SFC was not statistically superior to other methods.
Conclusion
This study supports the combined use of periprosthetic tissue culture and SFC for identifying causative microorganisms in implant infections. Despite not being statistically superior, SFC provides additional pathogen detection, especially when other methods fail, thereby enhancing overall diagnostic accuracy.
Oral microbiome associated with differential ratios of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus cristatus
Authors: Wang Qingguo , Wang Bing-Yan , Pratap Siddharth , Xie Hua 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background Periodontitis has been recently defined as a dysbiotic disease resulting from imbalanced oral microbiota. The transition of microbial communities from commensal to periodontitis-associated ones likely requires colonization by specific pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis. We previously reported an antagonistic relationship between Streptococcus cristatus and P. gingivalis and the role of S. cristatus in inhibition of the biofilm formation, invasion, and gingipain enzymatic activity of P. gingivalis. Given the importance of P. gingivalis as a keystone pathogen of polymicrobial communities, the determinants of P. gingivalis levels, its interaction with the core microbiota, and association with the pathogenic potential of the microbial communities need to be addressed.Results This present study intends to determine the role of S. cristatus in altering interactions of P. gingivalis with other oral bacteria in a complex context. We collected dental plaque samples from periodontitis patients and assigned them into two groups based on their ratios of S. cristatus and P. gingivalis. We then characterized microbial profiles of the dental plaque samples using shotgun metagenomic sequencing and subsequently compared oral microbial composition and functional capabilities between groups with high or low S. cristatus-P. gingivalis ratios. Taxonomic annotation showed significant differences in microbial compositions at both genus and species levels between the two groups. Notably, a higher microbial composition diversity was observed in the samples with low S. cristatus-P. gingivalis ratios. The antibiotic resistance gene profiles of the two groups are also distinct, with significantly increased diversity and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in the dental plaque samples with low S. cristatus-P. gingivalis ratios, which likely lead to elevated virulence potential.Conclusions Overall, our work highlights the importance of S. cristatus-P. gingivalis ratios in influencing the virulence of the oral microbiome. Approaches to enhance S. cristatus-P. gingivalis ratios in oral microbial communities will be attractive for revising the dysbiotic oral microbiome.
Toxicological profile and health risk assessment through trace elements exposure in brick kiln workers from Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Saeed Talha , Abbasi Naeem Akhtar , Zahid Talha , Fatima Noor , ullah Kaleem , Kokhar Muhammad Fahim 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This study examined lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) levels in blood, hair, and nails of 18 brick kiln workers from three brick kiln units located around a metropolitan city, Lahore, Pakistan. All the trace elements except Hg and As were detected in the studied matrices of Brick kiln workers. In general, brick kiln workers had the highest concentration of Pb, followed by Cd, Cr, and Cu. Among trace elements, Pb has the highest mean (min-max; µg/g)) concentrations at 0.35 (0.09–0.65) in blood, 0.34 (0.14–0.71) in hairs, and 0.44 (0.32–0.59) in nails of brick kiln workers. Following Pb, the trend was Cd 0.17 (0.10–0.24), Cu 0.11(0.03–0.27), and Cr 0.07 (0.04–0.08) in blood, followed by Cr 0.11(0.05–0.20), Cd 0.09 (0.03–0.13), and Cu 0.08 (0.04–0.16) in hairs and Cu 0.16 (0.05–0.36), Cd 0.13 (0.11–0.17), and Cr 0.10 (0.05–0.14) in nails respectively. The difference of trace metals except Pb was non-significant (P > 0.05) among studied matrices of workers as well as between Zigzag and traditional exhaust based brick kilns. Non-carcinogenic risk of Pb and Cd were above USEPA and WHO limits while Pb, Cd, and Cr carcinogenic risks were close to the threshold limits. It is concluded that chronic exposure to trace elements poses serious health risks to brick kiln workers which needs to be addressed to avoid future worst-case scenarios.
Colorimetric Detection of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solutions using green synthesized silver nanoparticles from soapberry pericarps
Authors: Dayanidhi Kalaivani , Vadivel Porchezhiyan , Noorjahan S. E. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the sensing properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized via microwave assisted green method using Sapindus mukorossi (commonly known as soapberries) extract (SME) which acted as a reducing as well as stabilizing agent. AgNps on exposure to the analyte molecules ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) resulted in decolourization of solution accompanied by a decrease in the SPR absorption band at 420 nm due to the complex formation and catalytic degradation of the sensor respectively. The results revealed precise detection of ammonia with a linear detection range of 0–1000 ppm and H2O2 with a linear detection range of 0–1300 µM. Further, spike/recovery measurements were done in various water samples which showed the percentage recovery values in the range of 99.10–99.87% for ammonia and 99.30–99.95% for hydrogen peroxide. Thus, the AgNps can act as a simple, cost effective and green nanosensor probe for colorimetric detection and quantitative determination of ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in real-time environmental analysis.