bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between serum manganese and serum klotho in a 40–80-year-old American population from NHANES 2011–2016
Authors: Guan Guoyu , Cai Jiasheng , Zheng Songbai , Xiang Yanzhen , Xia Shijin , Zhang Yixuan , Shi Jiaqiang , Wang Jun 
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Manganese is one of the essential trace elements that are required by the human body. Klotho protein is a classic anti-aging marker. The association between the levels of serum manganese and serum klotho in individuals between the ages of 40–80 in the United States remains unclear.Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study was obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2011–2016) in the United States. We performed multiple linear regression analyses to investigate the association between the levels of serum manganese and serum klotho. Furthermore, we performed a fitted smoothing curve according to a restricted cubic spline (RCS). Stratification and subgroup analyses were performed for further verification of the results.Results: Weighted multivariate linear regression analysis showed that serum manganese levels were independently and positively associated with serum klotho levels (β = 6.30, 95% confidence interval: 3.30–9.40). Kruskal–Wallis test showed that participants with higher manganese quartiles had higher serum klotho levels (Q1: 808.54 ± 256.39 pg/mL; Q2: 854.56 ± 266.13 pg/mL; Q3: 865.13 ± 300.60 pg/mL; and Q4: 871.72 ± 338.85 pg/mL, p &lt; 0.001). The RCS curve indicated that the association between the levels of serum manganese and serum klotho was non-linear. Furthermore, a significantly positive association was found between serum manganese and serum klotho levels in the majority of subgroups.Conclusion: A non-linear and positive association was found between the levels of serum manganese and serum klotho in individuals aged 40–80 in the United States according to the NHANES (2011–2016).
The relationship between Ki-67 expression and imaging signs and pathological features in GISTs
Authors: Xiao Lin , Zhang Yiding , Wang Yajie , Liu Lede , Pan Yisheng 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionTo investigate the correlations between the Ki-67 index and plain-scan computerized tomography (CT) signs and pathological features of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) tissue.Materials and methodsData from 186 patients with GIST diagnosed by pathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in Peking University First Hospital from May 2016 to May 2022 were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: Ki-67 ≤5% and &gt;5%. Correlation analysis, univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to explore the correlations between CT signs, pathological features, and Ki-67 expression.ResultsUnivariate indicators correlated with the Ki-67 index were mitotic count, pathological grade, tumor hemorrhage, tumor necrosis, tumor size, and tumor density. Multivariate Logistic regression indicated that the mitotic count [odds ratio (OR) 10.222, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.312–31.039], pathological grade (OR 2.139, 95% CI 1.397–3.350), and tumor size (OR 1.096, 95% CI 1.020–1.190) were independently associated with the Ki-67 expression level. The concordance indexes (C-index) for the pathological features and CT signs models were 0.876 (95% CI 0.822–0.929) and 0.697 (95% CI 0.620–0.774), respectively, with positive predictive values of 93.62% and 58.11% and negative predictive values of 81.29% and 75.89%, respectively. After internal verification by the Bootstrap method, the fitting degree of the pathological features model was found to be better than that of the CT signs model.ConclusionMitotic count, pathological risk grading, and tumor size are independent risk factors correlating with high Ki-67 index. These results indicate that the Ki-67 index reflects tumor malignancy and can predict recurrence and metastasis of GIST.
Exploration of the Design of Spiderweb-Inspired Structures for Vibration-Driven Sensing
Authors: Naderinejad Mahdi , Junge Kai , Hughes Josie 
Published: March 2023

In the quest to develop large-area soft sensors, we can look to nature for many examples. Spiderwebs show many fascinating properties that we can seek to understand and replicate in order to develop large-area, soft, and deformable sensing structures. Spiders’ webs are used not only to capture prey, but also to localize their prey through the vibrations that they feel through their legs. Inspired by spiderwebs, we developed a large-area tactile sensor for localizing contact points through vibration sensing. We hypothesize that the structure of a web can be leveraged to amplify, filter, or otherwise morphologically tune vibrations to improve sensing capabilities. To explore this design space, we created a means of computationally designing and 3D printing web structures. By using vibration sensors mounted on the edges of webs to simulate a spider monitoring vibrations, we show how varying the structural properties affects the localization performance when using vibration sensors and long short-term memory (LSTM)-based neural network classifiers. We seek to explain the classification performance seen in different webs by considering various metrics of information content for different webs and, hence, provide insight into how bio-inspired spiderwebs can be used to assist large-area sensing structures.
Exogenous β-Aminobutyric Acid (BABA) Improves the Growth, Essential Oil Content, and Composition of Grapefruit Mint (Mentha suaveolens × piperita) under Water Deficit Stress Conditions
Authors: Akbarzadeh Soghra , Morshedloo Mohammad Reza , Behtash Farhad , Mumivand Hasan , Maggi Filippo 
Published: March 2023

Grapefruit mint, Mentha suaveolens × M. piperita, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is an important medicinal plant with applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food, and nutraceutical industries. Environmental factors such as cold, salinity, and water deficit significantly impact the quantity and quality of the active compounds of medicinal plants. To examine the effects of drought stress and β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) as an elicitor on the biochemical characteristics and essential oil (EO) profile of grapefruit mint, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factor and three replications under greenhouse conditions. The first factor included field moisture capacity (FC) as the control (100% FC), mild (75% FC), moderate (55% FC), and severe water deficit stress (35% FC), while the second factor consisted of 0 (control plants without BABA), 0.8, 1.6, and 2.4 mM of BABA foliar application. Water stress and BABA application significantly affected the EO content and composition of grapefruit mint. The highest content of EO was observed in mild drought stress and BABA spraying at 1.6 to 2.4 mM, which increased by about 140% compared with the control condition. The EO components were identified using GC-FID and GC-MS analysis. Linalool (33.7–47.3%) and linalool acetate (31.2–52%) were the most abundant compounds. The highest content of linalool acetate was observed in severe drought stress (35% FC) with foliar application of BABA (1.6 mM), which increased by 33.86% compared with the control condition. However, the highest content of linalool was observed under normal irrigation with foliar application of 0.8 to 1.6 mM BABA. Based on the results, severe drought stress reduced the total chlorophyll and carotenoids by 81.76 and 64.6% compared with the control condition, respectively. Water stress and the foliar application of BABA significantly affected the activity of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, APX; guaiacol peroxides, GPX; and superoxide dismutase, SOD). The application of 1.6 mM BABA significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes under water stress conditions. Finally, our results showed that the application of BABA (mainly at 1.6 mM) can improve the grapefruit mint yield and EO profile under water stress conditions.
Molecular Phylogeny of Cimicoidea (Heteroptera: Cimicomorpha) Revisited: Increased Taxon Sampling Reveals Evolution of Traumatic Insemination and Paragenitalia
Authors: Jung Sunghoon , Kim Junggon , Balvín Ondřej , Yamada Kazutaka 
Published: March 2023

The molecular phylogeny of the Cimicoidea was reconstructed from an expanded sampling based on mitochondrial (16S, COI) and nuclear (18S, 28SD3) genes. The data were analyzed using maximum likelihood (ML), maximum parsimony (MP), and Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic frameworks. The phylogenetic relationships inferred by the model-based analyses (ML and BI) were largely congruent with those inferred by the MP analysis in terms of the monophyly of most of the higher taxonomic groups and the species-level relationships. The following clades were recovered in all analyses: Cimiciformes; Nabidae: Prostemmatinae; Nabidae: Nabinae; Plokiophilidae; Microphysidae; Lasiochilidae; Cimicidae: Cacodminae; Cimicidae; Lyctocoridae; Anthocoridae s. str.; Cardiastethini excluding Amphiareus; Almeidini; Scolopini; Anthocorini; Oriini; Curaliidae + Lasiochilidae; Almeidini + Xylocorini; Oriini + Cardiastethini; and Anthocorini + Amphiareus. Reconstructions of ancestral copulation states based on Bayesian and parsimony inference indicated that at least one shift from standard insemination (SI) to traumatic insemination (TI) occurred within Cimicoidea, and an investigation of the evolutionary correlation between TI and paragenitalia (PG) revealed that the acquisition of PG in cimicoid females was correlated with the TI habit. Additionally, our morphological examination of various types of PG suggested that even the same PG type may not constitute a homologous feature at various taxonomic levels, indicating the convergent evolution of female morphology to adapt to TI.
New Insights into the Physiology of the Propionate Producers Anaerotignum propionicum and Anaerotignum neopropionicum (Formerly Clostridium propionicum and Clostridium neopropionicum)
Authors: Baur Tina , Dürre Peter 
Published: March 2023

Propionate is an important platform chemical that is available through petrochemical synthesis. Bacterial propionate formation is considered an alternative, as bacteria can convert waste substrates into valuable products. In this regard, research primarily focused on propionibacteria due to high propionate titers achieved from different substrates. Whether other bacteria could also be attractive producers is unclear, mostly because little is known about these strains. Therefore, two thus far less researched strains, Anaerotignum propionicum and Anaerotignum neopropionicum, were investigated with regard to their morphologic and metabolic features. Microscopic analyses revealed a negative Gram reaction despite a Gram-positive cell wall as well as surface layers for both strains. Furthermore, growth, product profiles, and the potential for propionate formation from sustainable substrates, i.e., ethanol or lignocellulosic sugars, were assessed. Results showed that both strains can oxidize ethanol to different extents. While A. propionicum only partially used ethanol, A. neopropionicum converted 28.3 mM ethanol to 16.4 mM propionate. Additionally, the ability of A. neopropionicum to produce propionate from lignocellulose-derived substrates was analyzed, leading to propionate concentrations of up to 14.5 mM. Overall, this work provides new insights into the physiology of the Anaerotignum strains, which can be used to develop effective propionate producer strains.
Experiences of urine collection devices during suspected urinary tract infections: a qualitative study in primary care
Authors: Glogowska Margaret , Croxson Caroline , Butler Christopher , Hayward Gail 
Published: March 2023

Background
Up to 30% of urine samples from women with suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) are contaminated and need to be repeated, burdening health services and delaying antibiotic prescription. To prevent contamination, midstream urine (MSU) sampling, which can be difficult to achieve, is recommended. Urine collection devices (UCDs) that automatically capture MSU have been proposed as a solution. There are few studies exploring womens experiences of using such devices.

Aim
To explore womens experiences of urine collection and the use of UCDs during a suspected UTI.

Design and setting
An embedded qualitative study in a UK randomised controlled trial (RCT) of UCDs among women attending primary care for UTI symptoms.

Method
Semi-structured telephone interviews with 29 women who had participated in the RCT were conducted. The transcribed interviews were then thematically analysed.

Results
Most of the women were dissatisfied with how they normally produced urine samples. Many were able to use the devices, found them hygienic, and would use them again, even if they had initially experienced problems. Women who had not used the devices expressed interest in trying them. Potential barriers to UCD use included positioning for the sample, UTI symptoms making urine collection difficult, and waste disposal because of the single-use plastic in the UCDs.

Conclusion
Most women agreed there was a need for a user- and environmentally-friendly device to improve urine collection. Although using UCDs can be difficult for women experiencing UTI symptoms, they may be appropriate for asymptomatic sampling in other clinical populations.
Consequences of the closure of general practices: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Hutchinson Joseph , Checkland Kath , Gibson Jon , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Sutton Matt 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundTwo general practices close every week in the UK. Given the pressure on UK general practices, such closures are likely to persist. Yet little is known about the consequences. Closure refers to when a practice ceases to exist, merges, or is taken over.AimTo explore whether practice funding, list size, workforce composition, and quality change in surviving practices when surrounding general practices close.Design and settingA cross-sectional study of English general practices was undertaken, using data from 2016–2020.MethodThe exposure to closure for all practices existing on 31 March 2020 was estimated. This is the estimation proportion of a practice’s patient list that had been through a closure in the preceding 3 years, between 1 April 2016 and 3 March 2019. The interaction between the exposure to closure estimate and the outcome variables (list size, funding, workforce, and quality) was analysed through multiple linear regression, while controlling for confounders (age profile, deprivation, ethnic group, and rurality).ResultsA total of 694 (8.41%) practices closed. A 10% increase in exposure to closure resulted in 1925.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1675.8 to 2175.4) more patients in the practice with £2.37 (95% CI = £4.22 to £0.51) less funding per patient. While numbers of all staff types increased, there were 86.9 (95% CI = 50.5 to 123.3), 4.3%, more patients per GP. Increases for other staff types were proportionate to increases in patients. Patient satisfaction with services declined across all domains. No significant difference in Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) scores was identified.ConclusionHigher exposure to closure led to larger practice sizes in remaining practices. Closure of practices changes workforce composition and reduces patient satisfaction with services.
Cardiac Mechanics and Kidney Function Decline in the Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Mehta Rupal , Buzkova Petra , Patel Harnish , Cheng Jeanette , Kizer Jorge R. , Gottdiener John S. , Psaty Bruce , Khan Sadiya S. , Ix Joachim H. , Isakova Tamara , Shlipak Michael G. , Bansal Nisha , Shah Sanjiv J. 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Clinical heart failure frequently coexists with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may precipitate kidney function decline. However, whether earlier-stage myocardial dysfunction assessable by speckle tracking echocardiography is a contributor to kidney function decline remains unknown.

Methods:
We studied 2135 Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) participants who were free of clinical heart failure and had Year 2-baseline 2D speckle tracking echocardiography and two measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (Year 2 and Year 9). “Archival” speckle tracking of digitized echocardiogram videotapes was utilized to measure left ventricular longitudinal strain (LVLS), LV early diastolic strain rate (EDSR), left atrial reservoir strain (LARS), right ventricular free wall strain (RVFWS), and mitral annular velocity (e′). Multivariable Poisson regression models that adjusted for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors were used to investigate the independent associations of cardiac mechanics indices and decline in kidney function defined as a 30% decline in eGFR over 7 years.

Results:
In risk factor (RF) models LVLS, EDSR, RVFWS, and e′ were all significantly associated with the prevalence of kidney disease. After multivariable adjustment, left atrial dysfunction (RR 1.18 [95% CI 1.01, 1.38] per SD lower LARS] and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (RR 1.21 [95% CI 1.04, 1.41] per SD lower EDSR) were each significantly associated with 30% decline in eGFR.

Conclusions:
Subclinical myocardial dysfunction suggesting abnormal diastolic function detected by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography was independently associated with decline in kidney function over time. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of these associations and to test whether interventions that may improve subclinical myocardial dysfunction can prevent decline of kidney function.
A generalization of first direct method of pursuit for differential inclu-sions
Authors: Iskanadjiev Ikromjon 
Published: March 2023

To solve the problem of pursuit in linear differential games, L.S. Pontryagin suggested two direct methods. Direct methods are of great importance in the development of the theory of differential games and in control theory under the conditions of uncertainty. It turned out to be useful also in solving the problem of control synthesis. Pontryagin direct methods have proved themselves as an effective means for solving problems of pursuit- evasion and control. These use integrals, having a number of significant differences from the classical integral. One of the differences consists in the use of multivalued mapping. Pontryaginʼs second direct method, based on concept of the alternating integral, which has no analogs in integration of real function. In definition of alternating integral participate of integration of setvalued mappings and geometric difference (Minkovski difference) of sets. These operations make difficulties for computation of alternating integral. From this point of view, the integral used by the first direct method has a simpler construction. Therefore, the question naturally arises of generalization the first direct method of pursuit. In this paper it will be studied a generalization of the first direct method for pursuit games, being described by differential inclusions where F is a continuous multivalued mapping. This method will be called the modified first direct method of pursuit for differential inclusions. In particular, the class of stroboscopic strategies, the trajectory of the system are determined. For these classes games, it is proved that if the starting point belongs to the modified first integral (the integral from the multivalued mapping, which is present in the definition of the modified fist direct metod), then this is necessary and sufficient condition for completing the game in a fixed time instant in the class of stroboscobic strategies. The problem of computation this integral is important. In the present article it has also been proved that the union operations in the definition of the modified first integral can be narrowed down to the class of compact-valued mappings
Проблема Дедекінда та класи Поста
Authors: Ніколенко Володимир Володимирович , Мич Ігор Андрійович , Варцаба Олена Василівна 
Published: March 2023

У роботі за допомогою класів Поста вивчаються булеві функції. Введено поняття характеристики Поста булевої функції та еквівалентних функцій за характеристикою Поста. На основі відношення еквівалентності за характеристикою Поста розглядаються 32 замкнені класи, які утворюють куб Поста. У цьому кубі 17 класів є порожніми, а решта 15 непорожніх утворюють решітку Поста. У роботі виведено формули для обчислення кількості функцій у класах Поста в залежності від числа змінних Такі формули знайдено для 11 з 15 класів. Проблема обчислення потужностей непорожніх класів тісно повʼязана з проблемою Дедекінда. Задачу знаходження кількості монотонних функцій в залежності від числа змінних називають проблемою Дедекінда. У 1897 році цю задачу розвʼязав Дедекінд для n=4; у 1940 році Черч — для n=5; Вард — для n=6; для n=7 є розходження в отриманих оцінках. Найбільше значення числа Дедекінда відомо для n=8. Знайдено оцінки потужностей класів Поста, які дають можливість інакше підійти до розвʼязання проблеми Дедекінда. У даній роботі проведено аналітичні дослідження, за допомогою яких можна для довільної системи булевих функцій від довільної кількості змінних, для яких знайдено характеристики Поста, знайти всі можливі одно-, дво-, три- та чотирифункціональні базиси. Знайдено розподіли булевих функцій від трьох, чотирьох і пʼяти змінних за непорожніми класами Поста. Використовуючи приведений аналітичний апарат, можна обчислити число всіх можливих базисів. У роботі наведено приклад знаходження всіх базисів для булевих функцій, арність яких не перевищує пʼяти. У цьому прикладі знайдена кількість одно-, дво-, три- та чотирифункціональних базисів.