bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cord Blood FGF-21 and GDF-15 Levels Are Affected by Maternal Exposure to Moderate to Severe Anemia and Malaria
Authors: Hjort Line , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J , Minja Daniel , Rasmussen Christine , Møller Sofie Lykke , Lusingu John , Theander Thor , Bygbjerg Ib Christian , Schmiegelow Christentze , Grunnet Louise Groth 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Context
Anemia and malaria are global health problems affecting &gt;50% of pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa and are associated with intrauterine growth restriction. The hormones fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) are involved in metabolic regulation and are expressed in the placenta. No studies exist on FGF-21 and GDF-15 responses to exposures of malaria and anemia in pregnancy.

Objective and Methods
Using a prospective, longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort of women with an average age of 26 years from a rural region in northeastern Tanzania, we examined if FGF-21 and GDF-15 levels in maternal blood at week 33 ± 2 (n = 301) and in cord blood at birth (n = 353), were associated with anemia and malaria exposure at different time points in pregnancy and with neonatal anthropometry.

Results
Among mothers at gestation week 33 ± 2, lower FGF-21 levels were observed after exposure to malaria in the first trimester, but not anemia, whereas GDF-15 levels at week 33 ± 2 were not associated with malaria nor anemia. In cord blood, moderate to severe anemia at any time point in pregnancy was associated with higher levels of FGF-21, whereas malaria exposure in the third trimester was associated with lower FGF-21 levels in cord blood. Negative associations were observed between cord blood FGF-21 and GDF-15 levels and neonatal skinfold thicknesses and birthweight.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that moderate to severe anemia throughout pregnancy associates with higher FGF-21 levels, and malaria in last trimester associates with lower FGF-21 levels, in the neonates, thereby potentially affecting the future cardiometabolic health of the child.
Persistent Deficits in Bone Quality in Treated Acromegaly: Evidence From Assessments of Microstructure
Authors: Kuker Adriana P , Agarwal Sanchita , Shane Elizabeth , Cohen Adi , Nickolas Thomas L , Stein Emily M , Reid Tirissa J , Hans Didier , Cremers Serge , Bruce Jeffrey N , Freda Pamela U 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Fractures are increased in patients with acromegaly, both before and after successful acromegaly treatment. Abnormalities of bone microstructure, which may underlie this fragility, are present in active acromegaly but to what extent these improve with acromegaly treatment or persist despite biochemical remission remains unclear. To examine these questions, we studied the effects of acromegaly treatment and remission on bone quality.

Methods
Sixty-five women and men with acromegaly were studied. Subgroups underwent assessments of areal bone mineral density by dual x-ray absorptiometry, trabecular bone score (TBS), and volumetric bone mineral density, microarchitecture, stiffness and failure load of the distal radius and tibia by high-resolution peripheral quantitative tomography in a longitudinal study before and after acromegaly treatment and in a cross-sectional study in which patients were compared to sex-, age-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls.

Results
In the longitudinal study, significant increases in total, cortical, and trabecular densities at the radius and tibia and increased stiffness and failure load of the tibia occurred with acromegaly treatment. In the cross-sectional study, patients in biochemical remission after surgery had larger bones, lower trabecular and cortical volumetric density, and disrupted trabecular microarchitecture compared to controls. TBS did not change with acromegaly treatment but correlated with some microstructural parameters.

Conclusion
We show, for the first time, that volumetric bone mineral density and microarchitecture of the peripheral skeleton improve with acromegaly treatment but remain abnormal in patients in remission after surgery compared to controls. These abnormalities, known to be associated with fractures in other populations, may play a role in the pathogenesis of persistent fragility in treated acromegaly.
Emvolio - A battery operated portable refrigerator preserves biochemical and haematological integrity of biological samples in preclinical studies
Authors: Maity Swastika , Aakriti Jaya , Manandhar Suman , Anchan Sharad B , Bhat Ashlesh , Shetty Mayur U , Nayak Yogendra 
Published: September 2023

Background: Emvolio is a non-medical device, indigenously developed portable refrigeration for maintaining the internal temperature 2–8˚C. The Indian Patent Office has granted patent for applications such as preservation and transport of medicines, vaccines, food, beverages, dairy etc. Further, use of Emvolio can be utilized in transport and store biologicals to preserve their biochemical and cellular integrity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biochemical and haematological integrity of biological samples such as rat blood, serum and liver. Methods: The steady temperature was maintained inside the Emvolio, and it was compared to that of thermocol and polypropylene boxes aided with frozen gel packs. The blood and liver samples were isolated from Wistar rats and kept in Emvolio, thermocol and polypropylene boxes for 10 hrs, and the temperature was monitored. The blood parameters, namely red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets, haematocrit, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width (RDW), serum parameters like alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen and liver parameters like superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase were estimated and compared. Results: Emvolio maintained a constant inner temperature range of 2–8˚C, whereas a significant temperature variation was seen in thermocol and polypropylene boxes. There was no significant deviation in the parameters tested when samples were kept in Emvolio for six hours compared to the zero hour readings. In contrast, there was a significant deviation among the parameters for the samples kept in thermocol and polypropylene boxes for six hours compared to zero hour parameters. Conclusions: Emvolio maintained constant temperature and preserved the biological integrity of rat blood, serum and liver. Thus, Emvolio can be efficiently used as a biological sample carrier, especially in preclinical studies.
The role of IL-6, ferritin, and coagulopathy in Covid-19 clinical progression
Authors: Harahap Alvin Tagor , Irawan Cosphiadi , Susilo Adityo , Harimurti Kuntjoro , Gathmyr Dewi , Shatri Hamzah , Lubis Anna Mira , Nainggolan Leonard , Abdullah Murdani 
Published: September 2023

Background In Covid-19 infection, the release of pro-inflammatory mediators in the setting of cytokine storm, primarily interleukin-6 (IL-6), has been hypothesized to induce pulmonary intravascular thrombosis and eventually systemic coagulopathy. However, the relationship between IL-6 and coagulopathy remains unclear in Covid-19 progression. We aimed to investigate the correlation of IL-6 with D-dimer, fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), and ferritin. Furthermore, we also analysed the changes of those parameters in relation with progression of Covid-19 disease. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in moderate and severe Covid-19 patients from June 2020 to January 2021. A serial evaluation of IL-6, D-dimer, fibrinogen, ferritin, and PT was performed and correlated with the patient's condition at admission and on the 14th day. The outcomes (improvement, worsening, or discharged patients) were recorded during the study. Results Of 374 patients, 73 study subjects (61 severe and 12 moderate Covid-19) were included in this study. A total of 35 out of 61 severe illness and one out of 12 moderate illness subjects had experienced worsening. Spearman-rank correlation of IL-6 with with ferritin, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and PT was 0.08 ( p=0.5), −0.13 ( p=0.27), 0.01 ( p=0.91), and 0.03 ( p=0.77), respectively. In ROC analysis, D-dimer (74,77%) and IL-6 (71,32%) were the highest among other variables (>60%). Conclusions In Covid-19 patients, there was a correlation between elevated IL-6 and D-dimer levels with clinical deterioration. There was no correlation between elevated IL-6 levels with ferritin, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and PT levels. In conclusion, changes in IL-6 and D-dimer can be independent predictor of disease progression in moderate and severe Covid-19 patients.
Effectiveness of multi-component modular intervention among adults with prehypertension in a village of Dakshina Kannada district - a community-based interventional study – protocol
Authors: Feren Neneh , Thapar Rekha , Unnikrishnan B , Mithra Prasanna , Kumar Nithin , Holla Ramesh , BB Darshan , Kotian Himani 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The Joint National Committee (JNC 7) report on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of Hypertension, defined "prehypertension," as individuals with a Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) in the range of 120–139 mmHg and a (diastolic blood pressure) DBP of 80–89 mmHg. Prehypertension is directly linked with hypertension which is a precursor of CVDs. Owing to its high conversion rate to hypertension, it is important to identify individuals with blood pressures in this category and bring about lifestyle modifications in them that can prevent them from being hypertensive and from developing cardiovascular diseases later in life. Methods: This randomized controlled trial will be done among the selected pre-hypertensive adults of all genders residing in Kateel Gram panchayat, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. A baseline survey will be done initially to assess the level of prehypertension among the study population. To study the effectiveness of the intervention, 142 individuals will be randomly allocated using block randomization technique to intervention and control groups. A multi-component module (educational intervention) will be developed, validated, and administered to participants in the intervention group, while the control group receives standard care. Each participant will then be followed up once in four months till the end of the study period of one year to assess for changes in SBP, DBP, WHR, BMI, stress levels, and usage of tobacco and alcohol. Ethics and dissemination: Institutional Ethics Committee approval was obtained from Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore, India. The plans for dissemination of findings include presenting at scientific conferences and publishing in scholarly journals.
Prognostic value of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio in acute pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mariadi I Ketut , Somayana Gde , Shalim Christina Permata , Sindhughosa Dwijo Anargha , Daniella Dian , Purwanta Made Lady Adelaida 
Published: September 2023

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common disorder and although most of the cases are mild, the mortality risk is high when it comes to severe AP. It is therefore important to determine the severity of AP as early as possible. This review aimed to determine the prognostic value of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CRP/alb ratio) in patients with AP. Methods: We performed a systematic search on the electronic databases PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library up to January 2023. Studies reporting CRP/alb ratio on admission and its association with severity or mortality in AP patients were included. We calculated pooled mean difference (MD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model. Quality assessment of the included studies was appraised using a Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Results: A total of six studies comprising 2244 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Severe AP had higher CRP/alb ratio on admission than mild-moderate AP (pooled MD: 3.59; 95% CI: 2.51-4.68; p<0.00001). CRP/alb ratio was also significantly higher on non-survivor AP patients compared to survivor AP patients (pooled MD: 2.12; 95% CI: 0.43-3.8; p < 0.01). Conclusion: High CRP/alb ratio can be used as an early predictor of poor prognosis in patients with AP.
Corporate social responsibility & students’ perceptions: evidence from Indian higher education institutions
Authors: Singh Premendra Kumar , Sunder Raju Ganesh , Mahamuni Pravin Narayan , Singh Elangbam Nixon , Das Bidhu Kanti , Jumle Anand G. , Kashayp Rajeshkumar 
Published: September 2023

Background: For many, the understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) may sound a rather new topic, but it has been pondered upon by great thinkers of the world for many decades. The initial form of CSR was more of philanthropic which has become more of mandatory norm in Indian context. We believe the future of a nation are the youth of the nation and their perceptions on the matter of CSR are of great importance. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to investigate the many viewpoints that students have about CSR and to determine whether or not socioeconomic characteristics (gender, age, professional experience, and academic degree) influence these views. Methods: The research methodology comprises of utilization of an accepted scale (PRESOR) for collecting data of perception on CSR. Data was collected using an online questionnaire, distributed to students at Higher Educational Institutes of Northeast India. Responses from 272 students were received out of which we rejected unengaged responses of 25 students, and we continued with responses from 247 students. We have utilized Factor Analysis, Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), t-test for the scrutinizing the collected data. Results: The perceptions of students show a variety of dimensions, which may be categorised as: (a) value CSR, (b) against CSR, and (c) neutral to CSR. It is also found that the sociodemographic variables have a statistically significant influence on students' notion of CSR. Conclusions: This study is one of the first investigative works that has utilized modified PRESOR model for examining the perception of CSR in Indian context. The model was found to be fit to be used in Indian context. The study concluded that sociodemographic variables such as Age, Education, Professional Experience influences perception of CSR.
Super-resolution imaging based on cascaded microsphere compound lenses
Authors: Wang Jianming , Yang Benrui , Chen Zhiling , Wen Min , Xie Wei , Wang Dong , Qi Mengping , Guo Honhmei , Cao Yurong 
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a cascaded microsphere compound lens (CMCL) is introduced, in which a 20-µm-diameter barium titanate glass (BTG) primary microsphere and a 250-nm-diameter or 200-nm-diameter polystyrene (PS) secondary microsphere array constitute CMCL1 and CMCL2, respectively. The field of view (FOV) depends on the size of the BTG microsphere, while the waist of the photon nanojet (PNJ) can be adjusted by the size of the PS microsphere. The narrower the waist of the PNJ, the higher the imaging resolution. In the experiment, a 200-nm-diameter hexagonally close-packed PS nanoparticle array is successfully observed by the CMCL with a high magnification of ∼11.6× and a FOV of ∼14µm, while the single BTG microsphere is incapable of observing the array. The point spread function is used to quantify the resolution of the CMCL. A well-designed CMCL can improve the imaging performances of a microsphere-assisted microscope.
Heterodyne dynamic light scattering for the characterization of particle dispersions
Authors: Wu Wenchang , Knoll Matthias Samuel Günter , Giraudet Cédric , Heinrich Rausch Michael , Fröba Andreas Paul 
Published: September 2023

Particle self-diffusivities in unimodal and bimodal aqueous dispersions are characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) applying a heterodyne detection scheme. For unimodal dispersions close to infinite dilution, it could be evidenced that pure homodyne conditions cannot be realized, leading to an increasing underestimation of diffusivity with a decreasing concentration. Even for bimodal dispersions and neglecting any local oscillator field, the coherent superposition of scattered light from different particle species hinders a clear assignment of the measured signals and their evaluation for diffusivity. In this case, the impact of a cross term on the determined diffusivities cannot be neglected. The results emphasize that the use of a heterodyne detection scheme in DLS experiments is a key aspect for an accurate determination of particle diffusivities in low-concentrated unimodal and bimodal dispersions.
O-band BDFA achieves 24 dB ultra-wideband signal range effective gain clamping with a maximum float of 0.42 dB
Authors: Wang Dingchen , Pei Li , Zheng Jingjing , Wang Jianshuai , Hou Wenqiang , Zhang Fuhao , Ye Xiao , Li Jing , Ning Tigang 
Published: September 2023

Fiber amplifiers are used in transmission systems with gain-clamping techniques to avoid unexpected situations such as sudden changes in incoming power due to unstable factors. The O-band bismuth-doped fiber amplifier (BDFA) has developed rapidly in recent years and has been reported in transmission cases, but its application in clamping is still relatively rare. In past work, we have investigated the clamping effect of a BDFA under a coupler ring cavity under different pumping schemes, while in this work we further improved the structure by replacing the coupler with a circulator to comparatively investigate the limit range of gain stabilization. The experimental results demonstrate that, when the loop loss is 0 dB, the BDFA exhibits nearly identical gain-clamping performance, including flat range and maximum float, with both structures. However, as the loss increases, the circulator structure exhibits a wider gain flatness range than the coupler structure. With pump power of 1 W and VOA loss of 0 dB, the BDFA achieves a maximum gain float of 0.42 dB in the coupler configuration and 0.56 dB in the circulator configuration over an ultra-wide input range of −15dBm to 9 dBm. In addition, the gain flat range under the circulator structure is 3 dB wider than the coupler structure when the VOA loss is 10 dB. Therefore, with the pursuit of a balance between the higher average gain and the widest flat range, it is most advantageous to consider the circulator in the ring cavity. This work gives a valuable reference for the application of the O-band BDFA in gain clamping.
Do age, gender, and education modify the effectiveness of app-delivered and tailored self-management support among adults with low back pain?—Secondary analysis of the selfBACK randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bardal Ellen Marie , Sandal Louise Fleng , Nilsen Tom Ivar Lund , Nicholl Barbara I. , Mork Paul Jarle , Søgaard Karen 
Published: September 2023

selfBACK is an artificial intelligence based self-management app for low back pain (LBP) recently reported to reduce LBP-related disability. The aim of this study was to examine if age, gender, or education modify the effectiveness of theselfBACK intervention using secondary analysis of theselfBACKrandomized controlled trial. Persons seeking care for LBP were recruited from primary care in Denmark and Norway and an outpatient clinic (Denmark). The intervention group (n = 232) received theselfBACKapp adjunct to usual care. The control group (n = 229) received usual care only. Analyses were stratified by age (18–34, 35–64, ≥65 years), gender (male, female), and education (≤12, >12 years) to investigate differences in effect at three and nine months follow-up on LBP-related disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ]), LBP intensity and pain self-efficacy. Overall, there was no effect modification for any of the sociodemographic factors. However, data on LBP-related disability suggest that the effect of the intervention was somewhat more beneficial in older than in younger participants. The difference between the intervention and control group due to interaction was 2.6 (95% CI: 0.4 to 4.9) RMDQ points for those aged ≥65 years as compared to those aged 35–64 years. In conclusion, age, gender, or education did not influence the effect of theselfBACKintervention on LBP-related disability. However, older participants may have an additional long-term positive effect compared to younger participants.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT03798288.
Understanding the role of plasmalogen lipid in synapse function: a cellular neurolipidomics study
Authors: Sadilova Anna , Nubi Laila , Howard David , Filipponi Carolina , Lai Michele , Sassi Martina , Angelini Roberto 
Published: September 2023

This research aims to reveal fundamental mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders by studying the consequences of disrupted lipid homeostasis in neurons by means of functional synapse assays and protein expression analyses. In neurodegeneration, the physiology of synapses is altered. Here, plasmalogen lipids are abundant and their peculiar conical shape makes them ideal in supporting vesicle fusion. In addition, plasmalogen levels decrease with pathological progression in Alzheimer’s disease. Since current evidence is correlative, we aim to provide tools to directly test whether plasmalogens support synaptic transmission for normal neuronal cell function. Specifically, we seek to prove that plasmalogens are required for synapse function and later explore their potential for neuro-regenerative supplementation therapies.
My work will include western blot and ICC/IF detection of markers of mature neurons (NeuN,b3- tubulin) alongside established synaptic and vesicular markers (Synaptophysin1, PSD95, SV2, VAChT), and an assay for neurotransmitter release (Ach). Wet-lab assays will be performed on otherwise untreated differentiated cells alongside differentiated cells genetically silenced by using siRNA for plasmalogen biosynthetic enzymes FAR1 and PEDS1. Specifically, we will modulate plasmalogen levels in differentiated human SH-SY5Y cells as they embody a convenient model for developing assays. This work will be complemented with lipidomic analyses and will be soon translated to relevant iPSC-derived neurons.
Based on our preliminary data and previous literature, we expect the data from lipidomic and synaptic assays to be normally distributed. Comparison of multiple groups (n=6) at one timepoint (e.g., normal vs plasmalogen-deficient) will use one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction (GraphPad Software).
Le mur et ses ornements, Tome I - Texte
Authors: Titeux Catherine 
Published: September 2023

Le sujet de la thèse de Catherine Titeux est le mur en tant qu’élément du « décor », tel que l’Âge classique l’entend. Pour les architectes et les théoriciens du XVIe et du XVIIe siècle, le mur contribue à la beauté de l’édifice. Différentes techniques de finition permettent de l’embellir : appareils en pierre de taille dressés et ravalés, bossages, briques polychromes, enduits qui unifient et enluminent les parements. Qu’il soit nu ou orné le mur n’est jamais neutre. Etudiant un vaste corpus, l'auteur confirme certaines observations sur la façade française : l’effet a-tectonique des ornements, même si ceux-ci structurent la composition. Au principe classique de l’unité de l’organisme architectural, dans lequel rien ne peut être ajouté ou retranché, les architectes français apportent leur réponse : tous les éléments sont des ornements ainsi que le mur lui-même, qui se montre ou se voile de légers ornements.
Catherine Titeux est architecte (ENSA de Paris Belleville), Docteur en Histoire de l'art et archéologie (Paris 4 Sorbonne). Elle enseigne à l’École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Montpellier dans les champs Histoire et Cultures Architecturales et Théories et Pratiques du Projet Architectural et Urbain. Ses recherches portent sur le langage de l'architecture, sur l'ornement, sur les figures de la muralité qu'elle a particulièrement étudiées chez Leon Battista Alberti et dans l'architecture classique française.