bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in posterior corneal elevation and associated factors following small incision lenticule extraction in patients with high myopia and thin cornea: a prospective non-randomized clinical study
Authors: Zhao Jiao , Hu Budan , Mao Ke , Shui Dan , Tang Jing , Liu Min , Deng Tao , Fang Shuyi , Ye Nanjie , Duan Ruixing 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) is a popular procedure for correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism; however, the cornea thins to varying degrees following SMILE surgery, and its postoperative stability may be affected. We investigated the safety and efficacy of SMILE in patients with high myopia and analyzed the factors influencing corneal posterior elevation variation (PCE).
Methods
This was a prospective non-randomized clinical study. Patients with a corneal thickness < 530 µm at the thinnest point of the right eye with a spherical equivalent (SE) ≤-3.00D (group A: ≤-3.00D, >-6.00D; group B: ≤-6.00D, >-10.00D) who underwent SMILE surgery between January 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021. We compared the difference in postoperative vertex PCE between the two groups and assessed the correlation between PCE variation (△PCE) and corneal biomechanical parameters.
Results
The preoperative SE was − 4.74 ± 0.63D and − 7.38 ± 1.22D in groups A (41 eyes) and B (37 eyes), respectively. PCE was 0.61 ± 2.07 and 0.16 ± 2.19 µm, and △PCE was 0.93 ± 1.13 and − 1.43 ± 1.07 µm in groups A and B, respectively, showing significant differences (P < 0.05). △A2L and △A2V (r=-0.41, -0.36; P = 0.02, 0.04) were correlated with △PCE. Stepwise regression analysis showed that △A2L was the predictor variable of △PCE (AIC = 0.8, P = 0.02).
Conclusions
SMILE surgery is safe and effective for correcting high myopia with a thin cornea. A2L may affect the variation of vertex PCE following SMILE surgery. The higher reduction in A2L leads to less PCE backward displacement.
Attributed Labeled BTER-Based Generative Model for Benchmarking of Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Andreeva Polina , Bochenina Klavdiya , Shikov Egor 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have become increasingly popular for tasks such as link prediction, node classification, and graph generation. However, a number of models show weak performance on graphs with low assortativity measure. At the same time, other graph characteristics may also influence GNN quality. Therefore, it is extremely important for benchmark datasets to cover a wide range of different graph properties, which can not be provided by real-world sources. In this paper, we present a generative model for attributed graphs based on Block Two-Level Erd\H{o}s-R\'enyi model. Our model allows one to vary larger number of graph structural characteristics (namely, clustering coefficient, average degree, average shortest paths length, label and attribute assortativity) in a wider range. Our attribute generative method can be applied to any other non-attributed graph generative model with community structure and allows to control attribute assortativity corresponding to structure of graph.
Utilisation of Prostate Cancer Care at a Public Health Facility in Ghana: A Qualitative Study of the Pull and Push Factors
Authors: Dumor Emmanuel Kwame , Amu Hubert , Puplampu Gideon , Aziato Lydia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer among males across the world. It is a condition that comes with several physical, psychological and social challenges, and imposed a lot of financial burden on the patients and their relatives. We explored the pull and push factors influencing the utilisation of prostate cancer care among men.
Methods
The study adopted a qualitative approach to explore the utilisation of public health facilities for prostate cancer care at the Sogakope District Hospital, Ghana. Participants were purposively recruited. In-depth interviews were conducted in English and Ewe language, audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo.
Results
The push factors for public health facility utilisation for prostate cancer care among participants include indecision, misconception, ignorance, fear of complication, financial constraint and herbal medication usage. The pull factors for public health facility utilisation on the other hand included belief in the health system, alternative medicine failure, participants’ desperations, healthcare accessibility, professional competence, financial support, and recommendation from others.
Conclusion
Several mitigating reasons as well as motivations contributed significantly to the utilisation of public health facilities for prostate cancer care in Ghana. To sustain, promote and accelerate the utilisation of prostate cancer care in public health facilities, there is a need for deliberate mass education on the condition, Ghana Health Service and healthcare professionals must improve upon the standards of care to sustain the patients’ trust, the government could also institute robust financial policies to lessen the burden of treatment costs and commit some resources into researches to determine the effectiveness of alternative medicine on prostate cancer care.
Myxedema Coma: A Rare Case Report of Severe Hypothyroidism in Uganda
Authors: Jayte Mohamed , Abdi Awil 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective:in this report, we describe a case of myxedema coma in a 46-year-old Ugandan lady who had never before had hypothyroidism.
Investigations and medical care:The patient's first presentation included bradycardia, hypothermia, and a noticeably low Glasgow Coma Scale score. Laboratory examinations revealed severe primary hypothyroidism. Intravenous levothyroxine, hydrocortisone, and supportive care were the first steps in the treatment.
Results:After receiving therapy for one week, the patient achieved a full recovery. Thyroid function tests showed improvement back to normal range.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering myxedema coma in the differential diagnosis of altered mental status, even in resource-limited settings. Increased awareness, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate treatment can be life-saving in these cases.
A case of bilateral lambdoid and sagittal synostosis diagnosed with skull fracture after vacuum-assisted delivery: A case report and literature review
Authors: Nakamura N. , Harada A. , Maeno K. , Kyutoku S. , Ueda K. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Craniosynostosis (CS) can develop in the fetal period, but it is difficult to diagnose prenatally. In this case, a 3-month-old female baby developed extensive subgaleal hematoma and severe anemia after vacuum-assisted delivery, and her CT showed bilateral lambdoid sagittal synostosis (BLSS) with a depressed fracture of the right parietal bone. She was referred to our hospital for treatment of the CS, and at 4 months of age, she underwent bilateral lambda and sagittal suturectomy and foramen magnum decompression. CS may result in trauma at delivery, because CS disturbs fetal head molding during delivery and disrupts passage through the birth canal. In particular, the risk of severe peripartum trauma is thought to increase in cases of CS with multiple suture fusions, such as those observed in BLSS, because of the strong inhibition of this process of passage through the birth canal.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and changes in body mass index in Spanish children
Authors: Homs Clara , Berruezo Paula , Según Genís , Torres Silvia , Ribera Mar , Sauri Albert , Tejada Julen , Ródenas Juande , Juton Charlotte , Milà Raimon , Fito Montserrat , Gómez Santiago F. , Schröder Helmut 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background Unhealthy diets are a major driver of childhood obesity. On the other hand, the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets worldwide. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to analyze the prospective association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet at baseline and changes in standardized body mass index (zBMI) in children and the incidence of excessive weight in Spanish children.Methods This community-based cohort study was carried out between 2012 and 2014 with a mean follow-up of 15 months and included 1389 children from 8 to 10 years old. Weight and height were measured at baseline and follow-up. Adherence to the Mediterranean was determined by the KidMed index.Results Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that a high increase in zBMI (5th quintile of change) was associated with lower odds of having vegetables once [OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.57–0.98)] or more than once a day [OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.49–0.95)], having nuts 2-3times/week [OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.56–0.97)] or 2 cups of yoghurts or/and cheese daily [OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.55–0.99)]. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a negative (β=-0.010, p = 0.040) association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet at baseline and changes in zBMI at follow-up, although the statistical significance disappeared (p = 0.082) after final adjustment for baseline zBMI. Conclusions: Baseline adherence to the Mediterranean diet was not significantly associated with the incidence of excessive weight (overweight and obesity) at follow-up. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was favorably associated with changes in zBMI in Spanish children, however the effect size was small.
Metabolomic changes in the peripheral blood of wild trapped badgers correlate with bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis) infection status
Authors: Scott-Baumann James , Beckmann Manfred , Villarreal-Ramos Bernardo , Rooke David , Hewinson Glyn , Delahay Richard J. , Mur Luis A. J. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is the most significant infectious disease of UK cattle. Badgers (Meles meles) can also be infected by M. bovis and act as a source of infection for cattle. Management of infection risks could be supported by the availability of sensitive blood tests for bTB in badgers. Therefore, we aimed to identify novel metabolite changes for the diagnosis of bTB in wild, naturally infected badgers, based on peripheral blood.
Methods
Using flow infusion electrospray - high-resolution mass spectrometry (FIE-HRMS) to assess the peripheral blood of trapped wild badgers (n = 148) for metabolite changes linked to bTB infection status. Infection status was established by culture, Dual Path Platform (DPP) and interferon (IFN-γ) blood tests. Data were analysed by multivariate and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses.
Results
Metabolite shifts were identified in badger blood samples associated with their corresponding disease status (as defined through DPP, IFN-y or mycobacterial culture). Biochemical pathway analyses suggested that sphingolipid and glycerophospholipid metabolism was enriched in bTB badgers. However, some individual metabolites appeared to change differently depending on badger sex.
Conclusion
Our data shows that metabolomic assessment of peripheral blood can indicate bTB infection status. With larger sample sizes our results suggest that the derivation of metabolites biomarkers to show badger infection status may be possible.
Uterine uptake of estrogen and progestogen-based radiotracers in rhesus macaques with endometriosis
Authors: Wilson Rachel Catharine , Link Jeanne M. , Lee Yueh Z. , Oldan Jorge D , Young Steven L. , Slayden Ov D 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Few investigations have examined the uptake of radiotracers that target the prominent sex-steroid receptors in the uterus across the menstrual cycle and with disease state. We aimed to determine if uptake of the radiotracers that target estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR) differ with the presence of endometriosis and/or across the menstrual cycle. We performed PET and computed tomography (CT) imaging procedures on rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) using 16α-[18F]fluoroestradiol (FES) and 21-[18F]fluoro-furanyl-nor-progesterone (FFNP) in individuals with and without endometriosis in the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle.
Procedures
Macaques with either clinically diagnosed endometriosis (n = 6) or no endometriosis (n = 4) underwent abdominopelvic PET/CT scans with FES. A subset of these animals also underwent PET/CT scans with FFNP. Standard uptake values corrected for body weight (SUVbw) were obtained for each radiotracer in target and background tissues (i.e., intestinal and muscle). We performed repeated measure analysis of variance tests to determine how uterine and background uptake differed with scan time, phase of the menstrual cycle, and disease state.
Results
PET/CT could not resolve small, individual endometriotic lesions. However, uterine uptake of both radiotracers was elevated in the proliferative phase compared to the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. Intestinal uptake exhibited greater variation during the proliferative phase compared to the secretory phase. Further, intestinal uptake of FFNP increases as the scan progresses, but only during the proliferative phase. Muscle uptake did not differ with menstrual phase or radiotracer type. Lastly, macaques with endometriosis displayed higher uterine uptake of FES compared to those without endometriosis.
Conclusions
PET/CT with FES and FFNP support the concept that ER and PR levels are altered in individuals with endometriosis. This highlights the impact of the disease on typical reproductive tract function and may provide a novel pathway for the identification of individuals with endometriosis.
Hybridization chain reaction-based Label-free colorimetric sensor for detection of cancer marker p53 gene
Authors: Yang shijie , Jiang liying , Zhang pei , Ren linjiao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The p53 gene, a crucial tumor suppressor gene, plays a significant role in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and prognostic assessment. Accurate and sensitive detection of the p53 gene is essential for early cancer screening and diagnosis. To address the need for a sensitive, cost-effective, and scalable method for p53 gene detection, a label-free colorimetric sensor based on the hybridization chain reaction (HCR) in conjunction with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were developed. In the absence of the p53 gene, the hairpin DNA probes prevent the aggregation of AuNPs induced by salt through the interaction of single-stranded DNA at the sticky end with the AuNPs. Upon the introduction of the p53 gene, the hybridization chain reaction was initiated. The H1 and H2 hairpin probes were depleted and the AuNPs became exposed, leading to their aggregation when salt was added. This aggregation caused a color change in the solution from red to blue-violet. The concentration of p53 can be detected by monitoring the color change of the solution. The hairpin probes H1 and H2 for hybridization chain reaction were designed with P53 sequence as initiator. The reaction process of HCR was verified by fluorescence spectra and gel electrophoresis. The results showed that the naked eye visual detection limit of the sensor was 2nM, the quantitative detection limit by UV-visible spectrophotometer was 0.2nM, and the linear detection range was 0.2nM to 200nM with obvious specificity. Notably, this was the first time that an enzyme-free and label-free colorimetric method was introduced for this gene, greatly reducing the difficulty and cost of the experiment. which is very conducive to market application, and provides a new idea for the early large-scale screening of cancer genes.
Genome-wide Identification and Characterization of Wall-Associated Kinases, Molecular Docking and Polysaccharide Elicitation of Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids in Micro-propagated Catharanthus roseus
Authors: Ahmed Jawad , Sajjad Yasar , Latif Aasia , Lodhi Mohammad Saeed , Huzafa Muhammad , Situ Chen , Ahmad Raza , Shah Mohammad Maroof , Hassan Amjad 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Wall-associated kinases (WAKs) play a pivotal role in signal transduction to regulate growth and defense responses in plants. WAKs have been identified and characterized in various plant species, however, similar information for Catharanthus roseus is scarce. Genomic, CDS, and protein sequences of WAKs were obtained from medicinal plant genomics resource using homology modelling and were named CrWAKs. 3D structure of CrWAKs was predicted using AlphaFold and docked against tri-galacturonic acid and chitosan. Micropropagated C. roseus plants were elicited with chitosan and tri-galacturonic acid to produce monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs). Three MIAs, namely catharanthine, vindoline, and vinblastine, were isolated, purified, and quantified on LC-MS. Expression profiling of transcription factors and genes involved in MIA biosynthesis and identified CrWAKs was performed using qRT-PCR. Analyses showed 37 putative CrWAK genes present in the genome of C. roseus, the majority of them localized on the plasma membrane. Phylogenetic analysis unfolded six clusters of CrWAKs. Diverse cis-acting elements, including those involved in defense responses, were identified on the promotor regions of CrWAK genes. The highest binding affinity (-12.6 kcal/mol) was noted for CrWAK-22 against tri-galacturonic acid. Tri-galacturonic acid stimulated 2.5-fold higher production of vinblastine, 6-fold upregulation of the expression of ORCA3 transcription factor, and 6.14-fold upregulation of CrWAK-22 expression. Based on the current findings it was concluded that expression of CrWAKs induced by biotic elicitors may have an important role in the production of MIAs, which may serve as a basis for functional characterization and mechanistic explanation of their role in the biosynthesis of MIAs upon elicitation.
Seedling Survival and Plantation Success in the Drylands of Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Berhe Daniel Hagos , Gidey Tesfay , Gebregziabher Dawit , Tesema Teshome , Anjulo Agena , Retta Abeba Nigussie , Tefera Amare Sisay , Okolo Chukwuebuka Christopher 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
We studied tree seedling survival rates and plantation success of Growth and Transformation Plan I (GTP I) (2011–2015) in the drylands of Northern Ethiopia. The study was carried out in six randomly selected districts of Tigrai that represents three agro-ecological zones; highland, midland and lowland. A biophysical survey was conducted to assess the survival rates of tree seedlings and the success of the plantation activity. The study employed both primary and secondary data sources. The results of the study showed that there were variations in the survival of planted tree seedlings among plantation sites of the same village, between the villages of the same district and among the districts. Thus, the regional mean survival rate of planted tree seedlings was 52% and ranged from 0 to 100%. The planting activity was not encouraging, and the reasons were lack of pre and post planting management, moisture stress, poor soil and site condition, planting unmanageable number of seedlings, weak law enforcement and lack of monitoring and evaluation mechanism. In the study area, four types of ownership were identified; private, communal, state and youth groups. Among the ownership types, private was the most successful while the communal was the least successful. For successful plantation, watering, pre and post planting management of planted tree seedlings and permanent employment of guards are important.
Existence of ‎N‎on-trivial ‎S‎olutions ‎to a ‎C‎lass ‎of ‎F‎ractional ‎p‎-‎Laplacian ‎E‎quations ‎of‎ Schrödinger-‎T‎ype‎‎ with a ‎C‎ombined ‎N‎onlinearity
Authors: Soluki Meysam , Afrouzi Ghasem Alizade , Rasouli Sayyed Hashem 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this paper‎, ‎we ‎consider‎ the ‎following ‎nonlinear‎ ‎fractional ‎‎‎p‎-‎Laplacian ‎equation of ‎Schrödinger-type‎‎
\begin{equation*}‎ (-\Delta)‎_p‎^s u‎ + ‎V(x)‎|‎u|^{p-2}‎u‎‎‎ =‎k‎(x){|u|}^ {‎\eta‎-2}u‎+ ‎f(x,u)‎, ‎\ \ \qquad \ x \in ‎\mathbb{R}^N‎ \\‎ ‎\end{equation*}‎ ‎
where 0 < s < 1 < η < p, N ≥ 2, V (x) ‎is a real continuous function on ‎$\mathbb{R}^‎N‎$‎‎‎‎. Based on some ‎assumptions‎ on n k, V and f we obtain the existence of non-trivial solutions ‎using‎ of the variational methods.‎
2010 Mathematics Subject Classifications: 35J05; 35J10; 35A15.
Preschool Education and Intra-household Children’s Influence Power
Authors: Reyna Edi Flores , Silva Maria Micheliana da Costa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the preschool's effect on the children's role in family decision-making. To do so, we exploit the educational reform caused by the Brazilian Constitutional Amendment N° 59 of 2009 and the Resolution of National Education Council CNE/CEB N° 2/2016, which make preschool attendance mandatory from 4 years old onwards. We drew our analysis sample from the Family Budget Survey (POF) 2017–2018 and used as the identification strategy the randomization-based Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD) approach. We found evidence that preschool frequency may affect the children's role in family decision-making. The effect is approximately 0.059 and 0.073 standard deviations on the outcome regarding purchasing products of interest to children. We infer that preschool affects the children's bargaining power in the family decision-making process through improved human capital. Furthermore, we corroborated that children should indeed be considered in household demand analysis.
Código JEL: D04, D12, I2, J10
Effects of Diabetes Mellitus on Left Ventricular Function and Deformation in Patients with Restrictive Cardiomyopathies: A 3.0T CMR Feature Tracking Study
Authors: Gao Yue , Jiang Yi-Ning , Shi Rui , Guo Ying-Kun , Xu Hua-Yan , Min Chen-yan , Yang Zhi-gang , Yuan Li 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common metabolic disease worldwide and a major risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events, while the additive effects of DM on left ventricular (LV) deformation in restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) cohort remain unclear. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the additive effects of DM on LV deformation in patients with RCM.
Materials and methods
One hundred thirty-six RCM patients without DM [RCM(DM−)], 46 with DM [RCM (DM+)] and 66 age- and sex-matched control subjects who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scanning were included. LV function, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) type and LV global peak strains (including radial, circumferential and longitudinal directions) were measured. The determinant of reduced LV global myocardial strain for all RCM patients was assessed using multivariable linear regression analyses. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was performed to illustrate the relationship between DM and decreased LV deformation.
Results
Compared with normal controls, both RCM (DM −) and RCM(DM+) patients presented increased LV end-diastolic index and end-systolic volume index and decreased LV ejection fraction. LV GPS in all three directions and longitudinal PDSR progressively declined from the normal controls to the RCM(DM−) group to the RCM(DM+) group (all p < 0.05). DM was an independent determinant of impaired LV GPS in the radial, circumferential and longitudinal directions and longitudinal PDSR (β =−0.217, 0.176, 0.253,and − 0.263, all p < 0.05) in RCM patients. The multiparameter combination including DM showed an AUC with 0.81(95% CI = 0.75–0.87) to predict decreased LV GLPS and an AUC of 0.69 (95% CI = 0.62–0.76) to predict decreased LV longitudinal PDSR.
Conclusions
DM had an additive deleterious effect on LV dysfunction in patients with RCM, especially diastolic dysfunction in RCM patients, indicating the importance of early identification and initiation of treatment of DM in patients with RCM.