bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the direct or mediating associations between lipids, atherosclerosis, obesity, and intervertebral disc degeneration: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Yu-Hang , Zhang Nai-Jing , Chen Jia-Ming , Guo Tian-Ci , Yang Zheng-Hui , Liu Ai-Feng , Jiang Xing-Yu , Wang Ping 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjective The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between different lipids and intervertebral disc degeneration, and to verify whether obesity and atherosclerosis mediate the relationship between lipids and intervertebral disc degeneration. Methods Instrumental variables and their associated data were extracted from the corresponding genome-wide association studies. Inverse variance weighted (IVW), Weighted Median Estimator (WME), MR-Egger regression method, Simple mode (SM) method, Leave-One-Out method and Weighted Mode (WM) method were used to perform Mendelian randomization (MR) statistical analysis of the instrumental variables of exposure and outcome, Sensitivity analyses were then performed using Cochrane's Q value and MR − Egger intercept. Results In the two-sample MR Analysis, HDL, ApoA-1 were protective for both cervical disc degeneration (CDD) and non-cervical disc degeneration (NCDD), BMI contributed to both CDD and NCDD, while AS only contributed to NCDD. In the multivariate MR Analysis, the protective effects of HDL and ApoA-1 on CDD and NCDD were not independent of each other, Meanwhile, AS and BMI were independent risk factors for NCDD. In mediating MR Analysis, both AS and BMI mediated the effect of HDL on NCDD (AS 32.58%, BMI 15.49%), both AS and BMI mediated the effect of ApoA-1 on NCDD (AS 19.35%, BMI 17.65%). Conclusion HDL, ApoA-1, BMI are causally associated with both CDD and NCDD. The protective effects of HDL and ApoA-1 on intervertebral disc degeneration were not independent of each other. AS is causally associated with NCDD. BMI and AS are independent association factors for NCDD. BMI and AS also play important mediating roles in NCDD.
Age-dependent regulation of dendritic spine density and protein expression in Mir324 KO mice
Authors: Parkins Emma V , Burwinkel John M , Ranatunga Ruvi , Yaser Sarah , Hu Yueh-Chiang , Tiwari Durgesh , Gross Christina 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Dendritic spines are small, dynamic protrusions along the dendrite that comprise more than 90% of excitatory connections in the brain, making them essential sites for neuronal communication. These synaptic sites change throughout the process of development, reducing in density and shifting morphology as synapses are refined. One important class of dendritic spine regulators is microRNA (miRNA), small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Several studies suggest that miRNA-324-5p regulates dendritic spine formation. In addition, we have previously shown that miR-324-5p plays a role in seizure and long-term potentiation, both of which involve dendritic spine changes. In this study, we aimed to characterize the role of miRNA-324-5p in developmental spine regulation by assessing the effect of Mir324 knockout (KO) on dendritic spine density and expression of a subset of dendritic proteins at select developmental time points. We show that miR-324-5p expression is developmentally regulated and peaks at four weeks of age. We demonstrate that loss of miR-324-5p expression leads to differential changes in both target protein expression and spine density at different time points during development, disrupting the pattern of spine density changes and leading to a premature loss of dendritic spines in KO mice, which is compensated later. Our findings indicate that miR-324-5p plays a role in synaptic refinement across development. Additionally, our data illustrate the importance of context in the study of miRNA, as regulation by and/or of miRNA can vary dramatically across development and in disease.
THE PROXIMITY OF MUTUAL FUNDS DURING ECONOMIC GROWTH. Ratheesh.K.Nair &amp;Abdul Salam K*
Authors: Nair Ratheesh. K. , K Abdul Salam 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A mutual fund is a mechanism for investors to invest their money. It plays a significant role in establishing a relationship between savings and economic growth by mobilising savings and investing them in productive ways. Long-term, higher economic growth guarantees more freedom to work, save, and invest. Retail investors will thereafter invest in mutual funds at an increasing rate, mobilising significant financial resources for the Indian financial market's long-term, stable, and sustainable expansion. By pooling money from consumers and investing in the stock and debt markets, mutual funds enable portfolio diversification and risk minimization. The mutual fund sector is the most important resource mobilizer in this process. In its capacity as a resource mobilizer, industry moves exportable surplus from economies with surplus-spending units to those with deficit-spending units. Such an event is quite relevant for India, a developing nation. The mutual fund sector is thought to operate as a resource mobilizer, lowering transaction costs and boosting investor purchasing power to support genuine economic growth. The purpose of this research was to investigate the dynamics of the connection between mutual fund inflows and real GDP growth in India from 1990–1991. Using time-series econometric methodologies with cointegration and error-correction estimations, the author concludes that Granger causes domestic product growth causes mutual fund resource mobilisation in the long run but not in the short run. This finding has important policy implications because it suggests that more significant resource mobilisation in mutual funds will contribute to India's real economic growth.
CRISPRi-Induced Transcriptional Regulation of IAH1 Gene and its Influence on Volatile Compounds Profile in Kluyveromyces marxianus DU3
Authors: Muñoz-Miranda Luis A. , Zepeda-Peña Andrea C. , Casas-Godoy Leticia , Pereira-Santana Alejandro , Méndez-Zamora Andrés , Barrera-Martínez Iliana Carmen , Rodríguez-Zapata Luis Carlos , Gschaedler-Mathis Anne Christine , Figueroa-Yáñez Luis J. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Mezcal is a traditional Mexican distilled beverage, known for its marked organoleptic profile, which is influenced by several factors, such as the fermentation process, where a wide variety of microorganisms are present. Kluyveromyces marxianus is one of the main yeasts isolated from mezcal fermentations and has been associated with ester synthesis, contributing to the flavors and aromas of the beverage. In this study, we employed CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) technology, using dCas9 fused to the Mxi1 repressor factor domain, to down-regulate the expression of the IAH1 gene, encoding for an isoamyl acetate-hydrolyzing esterase, in K. marxianus strain DU3. The constructed CRISPRi plasmid successfully targeted the IAH1 gene, allowing for specific gene expression modulation. Through gene expression analysis, we assessed the impact of IAH1 down-regulation on the metabolic profile of volatile compounds. We also measured the expression of other genes involved in volatile compound biosynthesis, including ATF1, EAT1, ADH1, and ZWF1 by RT-qPCR. Results demonstrated successful down-regulation of IAH1 expression in K. marxianus strain DU3 using the CRISPRi system. The modulation of IAH1 gene expression resulted in alterations in the production of volatile compounds, specifically ethyl acetate, which are important contributors to the beverage's aroma. Changes in the expression levels of other genes involved in ester biosynthesis, suggesting possible regulatory interactions between these genes. The application of CRISPRi technology in K. marxianus opens the possibility of targeted modulation of gene expression, metabolic engineering strategies, and synthetic biology in this yeast strain.
Evaluation of Ventricular Arrhythmia Risk in Cystinosis Patients; Cardiac Electrophysiological Balance Index (iCEP)
Authors: Ertaş Kerem , Pınarbaşı Ayşe Seda 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Cystinosis disease (CD) is a metabolic disease that causes multiorgan involvement, primarily in the kidneys, due to lysosomal cystine accumulation. Cardiovascular system dysfunction occurs in CD due to cystine accumulation in myocardial and vascular structures. Our objective is to evaluate the cardiovascular system in CD, define possible damage mechanisms, and predict possible pathologies.
Methods
The study was conducted with CD patients under 18 years old followed up in Diyarbakır Children's Hospital between January 2020 and January 2023. A healthy control group with similar age and gender was selected. Demographic data, electrocardiography, and echocardiographic evaluation measurements were noted.
Results
Thirty children (15 in the CD group and 15 in the control groups) were included in the study. The left ventricular wall thickness, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, EF, and FS values were similar in both groups. With tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE), mitral and triscuspid e' velocities were significantly lower in the CD group, and mitral and tricuspid mpi' values were significantly higher in the CD group. MAPSE and TAPSE values were significantly lower in the CD group. PWD, QTc, QT-d, Tpe, Tpe/QT ratio, Tpe/QRS ratio, and QTc/QRS ratio values were found to be significantly higher in the CD group than in the control group.
Conclusion
We found that the CD group had ventricular dysfunction (systolic and diastolic) and an increased atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmia risk. This suggests that CD should be monitored more closely in terms of cardiac function and that the preservation of kidney function tests may also protect against cardiac effects.
Clinical research in eight constitution medicine (ECM): a scoping review
Authors: Choi Younkuk , Cho Juhee 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Understanding human differencesis essential for the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. To establish sound evidence for Eight Constitution Medicine (ECM),which is a Korean personalized medical system, it is necessary to identifythe status of clinical research in ECM and develop validated measurements.
This study aims to confirm the type of clinical research on ECM and how it has been conducted.
Methods
A scoping review was conducted using two international databases (PubMed and Cochrane) and five domestic electronic databases (DBpia, RISS, KISS, NDSL, and OASIS), using strategies such as reference search and grey literature search. Mapping was attempted, and sub-categories were established, synthesized, and presented in tables.
All content related to ECM published internationally and domestically and in Korean and English was included, however, theses or dissertations were excluded.
Results
A total of 73 ECM-related studies were selected. There were 46 (63.0) original studies, of which 38 (82.6) were observational and eight (17.4) were experimental. There were six Eight Constitution Diet (ECD)-related studies (13.0) which was much less than the 15 (32.6) Eight Constitution Acupuncture (ECA)-related studies. To measure the effectiveness of ECM, nine (19.6) Visual Analogy Scale (VAS) and three (6.5) patient self-reporting studies were used in the ECA studies; however, the method of measurement in other studies were heterogeneous.
Conclusions
The original research evidence for ECM was mainly from observational studies on ECA and Eight Constitution Diagnosis (ECDx). Active clinical research related to ECD and a tool that effectively measures adherence and target diseases are required. Furthermore, it is necessary to introduce electronic patient-reported outcome measurements that can be used in community-based clinical environments.
Characterization of trace element concentrations in blood samples of dairy cows with uterine torsion and their neonatal calves
Authors: Kazama Kei , Sugita Kazutoshi , Onda Ken 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Mineral deficiencies can lead to dystocia and abnormalities in neonates. In dairy cows, the stillbirth of neonatal calves due to dystocia has become an economic problem. Uterine torsion is a common form of dystocia observed in dairy cows. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on the characteristics of serum trace element concentrations in dairy cows with uterine torsion. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively measure and compare the serum trace element concentrations in dairy cows with uterine torsion and their neonates. The study found that calves delivered by cows with uterine torsion had significantly higher fetal mortality rates compared to those delivered from cows without uterine torsion. The odds ratio for fetal mortality in dairy cows with uterine torsion was 7.85. Maternal serum Zinc (Zn) concentrations in cows with uterine torsion were significantly lower than those in cows without uterine torsion (p < 0.01). In addition, the Cu: Zn ratios of cows with uterine torsion were significantly higher than that of cows without torsion (p < 0.05). In contrast, serum cobalt (Co) concentrations in neonates from cows with uterine torsion were significantly higher than those in neonates from cows without torsion (p < 0.01). In conclusion, uterine torsion is associated with a higher fetal mortality rate and greater economic loss than other types of dystocia. Further investigation is required to better understand the relationship between uterine torsion and trace mineral levels.
Infrared laser therapy decreases systemic oxidative stress and inflammation in ApoE knockout mice with periodontitis
Authors: Ribeiro Isadora Martins , Barroso Maria Eduarda Souza , Kampke Edgar Hell , Braga Larissa Figueiredo Trabach , Campagnaro Bianca Prandi , Meyrelles Silvana dos Santos 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This study examines the effects of Photobiomodulation by near infrared irradiation (NIR-PBM) on oxidative and physiological stress in the apoliprotein E (ApoE-/-) knockout animal model with ligature-induced periodontal disease (PD). The animals were divided into three groups: ApoEC (without intervention); ApoEP (periodontitis); and ApoEP + L (periodontitis, NIR-PBM seven consecutive days). Alveolar bone loss (via scanning electron microscopy), quantification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by flow cytometry, plasma cholesterol levels, inflammatory activity and plasma lipid peroxidation were evaluated. Alveolar bone loss was significant in the ApoEP group compared to the ApoEC group (p < 0.05). There was an increase in plasma cholesterol levels in the ApoEP group (p < 0.05) in relation to ApoEC; NIR-PBM reduced levels to levels below those of control animals. The ApoEP group had higher MPO levels when compared to the ApoEC group (p < 0.05). The superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide increased in the ApoE P group in relation to the ApoEC (p < 0.05), ApoE P + L showed a reduction when compared to the ApoE P animals (p < 0.05) and the levels of hydrogen peroxide hydrogen were lower in the ApoEC group compared to ApoEP + L (p < 0.05). ApoEP group showed increased lipid peroxidation than ApoEC (p < 0.05), and animals that received NIR-PBM treatment had lower levels than ApoEP group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, NIR-PBM effectively reduces systemic parameters associated with PD progression in hypercholesterolemic animals. More studies with longer evaluation times are needed to elucidate the effects of PBM on experimental periodontitis related to hypercholesterolemia.
Analyzing the Evolution of Droughts and Floods During the Flood Season in the Yangtze River Basin and the Three Gorges Reservoir Area from 1470 to 2022
Authors: Deli Ma , Yingqin Ju , Ruiqin Shi , Liangmin Du 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
As an important economic region in China, The Yangtze River economic belt encountered a historically rare successive drought in 2022. Here even appeared a phenomenon of anti-dry during flood season, which significantly hindered the economic development in the belt. Thus, there is an urgent need to reveal the evolution pattern of drought and flood in the basin. This study analyzed the 553-year historical records of drought and flood levels at 12 representative stations located across the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin, and the Three Gorges Reservoir area. Based on the conventional judgment standard of drought and flood level, the sequence of drought and flood level during the flood season was constructed with “Yearly Charts of Dryness/Wetness in China for the last 500 years Period” and precipitation from May to September in 1961–2022 at the 12 stations in the region. The analysis revealed a normal distribution of drought and flood occurrences during the flood season, ranging from grade one to grade five in the area, with approximately 52–60% of the time experiencing normal conditions (grade three) and 2–4% being classified as drought (grade five) or flood (grade one) condition. From 1470 to 2022, there were distinct alternating periods of drought and flood during the flood season in the Yangtze River Basin, upper reaches, middle reaches, lower reaches, and the Three Gorges Reservoir area. The frequency of severe flood and flood events increased significantly in the 19th and 20th centuries, while the frequency of severe drought and drought events sharply rose in the 20th century. Within the 553 years, there were 13 flood years and 24 drought years in the Yangtze River Basin, with drought years occurring more frequently than flood years. Moreover, the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the basin experienced more frequent occurrences of droughts and floods compared to the entire basin. Evolutions of droughts and floods in the Three Gorges Reservoir area were the same as those in the up reaches of the Yangtze River basin. Before and after the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir area, there was no sudden change but a decreasing trend in the precipitation during flood season in the upstream Jintao River, Mintuo River, Jialing River, and Wujiang River Basin, and the reservoir area. However, the rainfall during flood season decreased by 7–10 mm ten years− 1 in ups reaches of Mintuo River and the Three Gorges Reservoir area. Our funding might help to support the regulation of water resources responding to drought and flood in the basin.
Analysis of workplace violence suffered by nurses in general hospitals in southwest China
Authors: Yang Mei , Wang Xinglu , Liao Caiyun , Li Shisi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to examine the prevalence of workplace violence among nurses in general hospitals in Southwest China and provide a basis for developing relevant policies. A total of 254 nurses from a tertiary general hospital in Southwest China were surveyed using a revised questionnaire on workplace violence. Results showed that the incidence rate of hospital violence among nurses was 46.46% within one year, with verbal abuse being the most common type of violence. Nurses with only children were found to have a higher incidence of workplace violence, while nurses with different educational backgrounds and attitudes towards patients also had significant differences in incidents of workplace violence in hospitals. The overall awareness rate of nurses on workplace violence was 66.1%. The study also found that training on workplace violence, encouraging reporting of workplace violence, and adopting a fair attitude towards dealing with violence can lower the incidence of workplace violence in hospitals. Therefore, effective comprehensive intervention measures should be taken by hospital management departments and nursing managers to reduce the occurrence of hospital violence and create a harmonious medical environment for nurses.
Efficacy of a Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors with Body Image Distress: Secondary Outcomes from the BRIGHT Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Graboyes Evan M. , Kistner-Griffin Emily , Hill Elizabeth G. , Maurer Stacey , Balliet Wendy , Williams Amy M. , Padgett Lynne , Yan Flora , Rush Angie , Johnson Brad , McLeod Taylor , Dahne Jennifer , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Sterba Katherine R. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Body image distress (BID) among head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors leads to depression, social isolation, stigma, and poor quality of life. BRIGHT (Building a Renewed ImaGe after Head & neck cancer Treatment) is a brief, tailored cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that reduces HNC-related BID. This trial examines the effect of BRIGHT on psychosocial outcomes among HNC survivors with BID.
Methods: In this pilot randomized trial, HNC survivors with clinically significant BID were randomized to 5 weekly psychologist-led tele-CBT sessions (BRIGHT) or dose-and delivery matched survivorship education (attention control [AC]). Secondary psychosocial outcomes were assessed using validated patient-reported outcomes at baseline and 1- and 3-months post-intervention.
Results: Among 44 HNC survivors with BID, BRIGHT resulted in a greater reduction in depression relative to AC (mean model-based 1-month difference in Δ PROMIS SF v1.0-Depression 8a score, -3.4; 90% CI, -6.4 to -0.4; 3-month difference, -4.3; 90% CI, -7.8 to -0.8). BRIGHT also decreased shame and stigma relative to AC (mean model-based 3-month difference in Δ Shame and Stigma Scale score, -9.7; 90% CI, -15.2 to -4.2) and social isolation (mean model-based 3-month difference in Δ PROMIS SF v2.0 Social Isolation 8a score, -2.9; 90% CI, -5.8 to -0.1).
Conclusions: In this planned secondary analysis of a pilot RCT, BRIGHT improved a broad array of psychosocial outcomes among HNC survivors with BID.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: These promising preliminary data suggest the need for a large efficacy trial evaluating the effect of BRIGHT on psychosocial outcomes among HNC survivors with BID.
Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03831100
Biomechanical sound production in high-pitched classical singing – the „Queen of the Night“ does not whistle
Authors: Echternach Matthias , Burk Fabian , Köberlein Marie , Döllinger Michael , Burdumy Michael , Richter Bernhard , Titze Ingo , Elemans Coen , Herbst Christian 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Voice production of humans and most mammals is governed by the MyoElastic-AeroDynamic (MEAD) principle, where an air stream is modulated by self-sustaining vocal fold oscillation to generate audible air pressure fluctuations. An alternative mechanism is found in ultrasonic vocalizations of rodents, which are established by an aeroacoustic (AA) phenomenon without vibration of laryngeal tissue. Previously, some authors argued that high-pitched human vocalization is also produced by the AA principle. Here, we investigate the so-called "whistle register" voice production in nine professional female operatic sopranos. Super-high-speed videoendoscopy revealed vocal fold collision in all participants, with closed quotients from 30–73%. Computational modeling suggests a vocal fold strain of about 50%, facilitated by high subglottal pressures and increased contraction of the cricothyroid muscle. Our data suggest that high-pitched operatic soprano singing uses the MEAD mechanism. Consequently, the commonly used term “whistle register” is inappropriate for this singing style.