bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Gradual Impact of Sanctioning Cartels on Market Competition: Evidence from the Colombian Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Pelaez Sergio , Gutiérrez Juan David 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This paper investigates how fines on hard-core cartels affect market competition in Colombia. We use data from the national department of statistics and the competition agency, which covers 10,316 firms in the manufacturing sector from 2012 to 2020 and a panel of 67,671 observations. We measure market competition by the complement of the Lerner index and an indicator variable to account for the variation in the timing and sectors of the fines. We apply a difference-in-differences (DID) approach with multiple periods based on Callaway and Sant’Anna (2021) and perform robustness tests with Gardner (2021) and by incorporating anticipation effects. Our results show that the fines had a positive and gradual impact on market competition, implying that they deterred cartel behavior but also that some tacit collusion and price inertia persisted over time.
JEL codes: K21 - Antitrust Law, L41 - Horizontal Anticompetitive Practices, L60 - Industry Studies: Manufacturing, C23 - Panel Data Models; Spatio-temporal Models, D22 - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
DEAr – Differential Expression Analyzer
Authors: Karpenko Dmitriy 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Genes expressions are key features of cells and tissues studied in laboratories and clinics. Before analyzing expression data, normalization must be performed. Normalization methods can be generalized to the idea of forming a baseline from a subset of stable genes and then representing gene expressions as differences from this baseline. There are solutions available to help verify that the genes provided are stable enough to be used as a reference. Such a strategy works for high-throughput sequencing, but in cases of real-time PCR we have to work with a limited number of genes and especially when we compare with data from previous experiments. In such cases, we may struggle to find genes that are stable for the required cells and conditions. Here I present a program that simultaneously checks expressions of all genes in the data set and selects the most stable as a baseline for the less stable. The Differential Expression Analyzer (DEAr) assigns weights to all values depending on accuracy of direct measurements and reproducibility of differential expressions in the dataset, at the same time the program utilizes external knowledge about stability or instability of genes in considered materials and contributes it to weights as well. The important improvement is that the original algorithm allows individual weight to be assigned to each gene expression value for each sample to perform normalization. It allows DEAr to work without input for possible missing values. The algorithm is based on recursive computations that are described in detail in the article. DEAr is packaged in an executable file for the OS Windows. DEAr accepts and returns data in Excel format, so no programming skills are required for fast, automated analysis of differential expression.
YOLOv7-GX-based defect detection for PV panels
Authors: WANG Yin , ZHAO Jingyong , Yihua YAN , Zhicheng ZHAO , Xiao HU 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In the operation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic panels, maintenance issues are one of the important factors that limit their performance and lifetime. In this paper, an optimization algorithm based on YOLOv7-GX for PV panel defect detection is proposed for the problem of multi-fault identification of PV panel images. First, a detection layer dedicated to detecting tiny targets is designed, and a prior frame suitable for the dataset of this paper is generated using k-means and genetic algorithms to improve the detection performance of very small targets and reduce the false detection rate. Second, a custom 1x1 convolutional block with GAM(Global Attention Mechanism) attention mechanism is proposed to enhance the perceptual and expressive capabilities of the model while avoiding increasing the complexity of the network structure. Then, the XIOU loss function is adopted to replace the original
CIOU(Complete-IOU) loss function to enhance the robustness and convergence speed of the model. Finally, during the training process, different weights are assigned to different images and categories to solve the problem of unbalanced sample distribution, so as to achieve balanced training. Experiments show that the highest mAP of the improved method reaches 93.4% better than other existing models.
New record of mayflies (Ephemeroptera, Insecta) from Maranhão State, Northeast Brazil.
Authors: Mugnai Riccardo , Silva Lucas Aragão da , Salles Frederico Falcão 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The State of Maranhão, located in northeastern Brazil, has a great biodiversity due to the complex of biomes that constitutes its territory. Due to the paucity of research in the area, there are gaps in knowledge of the local fauna. This work aims to contribute to the knowledge of the order Ephemeroptera. Two species of Baetidae, Callibaetis nigracyclus Cruz, Salles & Hamada, 2014 and Cloeodes auwe Salles et al., 2004, and one species of Leptophlebiidae, Hermanella mazama (Nascimento, Mariano and Salles, 2012) are here registered from the State. It is noteworthy that the genus Cloeodes Traver 1938 and Hermanella Needham & Murphy, 1924, still do not have records from the State and it is also worth mentioning that all new records represent an important geographic extension.
Meta-Phill: feasibility of a new metadata repository for Evidence-based practice in literature review
Authors: Hatami Naser , Zarenezhad Mohammad , Javdani Farshid , Keshavarz Pouyan , Kalani Navid , Sadeghinikoo Alireza , Ghaedi Mojtaba , Nobari Minou Najar , Feily Amir , Hashemi Seyed Abbas , Babou Ali , Hafezi Vida , Shafiei Amin , Bagheri Fateme , Safarabadi Sara 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Meta-Phill is a systematic review and meta-analysis-friendly search engine for peer-reviewed articles. The metadata is based on the PICO (Population/problem, Intervention/exposure, Comparison, and Outcome) components that are crucial for the evidence-based literature review. As the preexisting literature is so large, we utilized a tuned Python engine with natural language processing methods of OpenAI API interference with human supervision to record the metadata of those articles. Results are getting saved to a repository every day with a current speed of an average of 1.43 seconds and 0.0045$ per automated entry. The provided dataset could be supplemented to the search strategy of researchers for filtering studies and finding those with similar PICO characteristics that are most suitable for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We used R-based analytics of text to process and analyze the dataset for hierarchical clustering studies. Preexisting literature is being recorded by AI; while future research would be submitted by humans for journals included in Meta-Phill.
A novel variant of KCNQ1 gene and pathogenicity prediction in a family with long QT syndrome type 1
Authors: Song Jian , Zheng Gaoyan , Chu Guoming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A novel heterozygous missense variant of KCNQ1 was identified in a family exhibiting LQTS with complete penetrance and its pathogenicity was predicted through multiple prediction software programs and 3D model analysis. The pathogenicity of the variant was predicted for its effect on a 3D model of KCNQ1, and in-depth functional analysis was performed for mechanistic speculation. We demonstrated that this variant, which is located in the conserved hot spot domain, was evaluated as likely pathogenic. In silico prediction indicated that the variation was involved in the process of channel closing/opening. This study reports a novel variation in KCNQ1, provides supportive evidence for pathogenicity prediction and enhances variant interpretation for patients with LQTS.
The TP53-activated E3 ligase RNF144B is a tumour suppressor that prevents genomic instability
Authors: Abad Etna , Sandoz Jeremy , Romero Gerard , Urgel-Solas Julia , Borredat Pablo , Kourtis Savvas , Ortet Laura , Martínez Carlos , Weghorn Donate , Sdelci Sara , Janic Ana 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The tumor suppressor protein TP53 regulates a vast transcriptional program that serves protective mechanisms against cancer development. However, the complexity of this program makes it difficult to unravel the role of each of its targets in TP53-mediated tumour suppression. ​​Knockdown of RNF144B, a E3-ubiquitin ligase transcriptionally regulated by TP53, enhanced the rate of tumour development and severity of malignant disease in the context of murine c-MYC-driven lymphomagenesis. Here we asked whether RNF144B has an impact on tumor suppression beyond the hematopoietic compartment. Integrative transcriptomics, proteomics, genomics and functional analysis of human and mouse oncogene-expressing cells with TP53 wild-type revealed a role for RNF144B in coordinating cellular proliferation and transformation, DNA repair and genome stability. Moreover, we show that in the context of lung adenocarcinomas, RNF144B deficiency leads to resistance to cytotoxic drugs that induce DNA damage and chromosomal instability, and that patients have a worse disease-survival overall. Supported by clinical data, our study suggests that RNF144B governs genomic stability during transformation suppression, which could explain its inactivation in human cancers.
Assessing Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Traditional Medicine Utilization Among Pregnant Women in Namwendwa Health Center IV, Kamuli District
Authors: Khaitsa Susan , Drazidio Judith , Agnes Agwang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground:In Uganda, there is a great tendency for majority of women to utilize traditional therapies at each stage of pregnancy and only resort to the health services if absolutely required. This study Assessed the Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Traditional Medicine Utilization among Pregnant Women in Namwendwa, Health Center IV, Kamuli District.Methods:health facility based cross sectional study design was employed. Only quantitative data collection approach was used. Frequency distribution was used to describe the characteristics of the respondents with variables studied. Chi-square test was used to asses level of association between utilization of traditional medicine and independent variable while binary logistics regression model was fitted to determine influence of categorical predictor variables on utilization of maternal health services and the results were reported using odds ratio at 95% level of confidence.Results:419 respondents participated in the study,69.21% had utilized traditional medicine during pregnancy. The factors found associated with utilization of maternal services included; monthly earnings less than 100,000 shillings and those 100,000 shillings (OR=2.379;95%CI:1.065 to 5.314; p=0.034) and (OR=2.614;95%CI:1.102 to 6.199; p=0.029). Initiation of traditional medicine at five to eight months (OR=2.298;95%CI:1.273 to 4.151; p=0.006). Awareness of any medicine taken during pregnancy (OR=1.847;95%CI:1.097 to 3.112; p=0.021). gestational age of initiating utilization of traditional medicine (0.05), duration of use of local herbs (p=0.004). cultural acceptance of use of traditional medicine, history of sickness during pregnancy, and knowledge about of dangers of using traditional medicine.Conclusion:the utilization of traditional medicine among pregnant women in this study was (69.21%). Cultural beliefs, low monthly income, history of sickness during pregnancy were the factors that influenced uptake of traditional medicine among pregnant women.Recommendation:The health care workers need stakeholder engagement such as religious and cultural leaders to emphasis on the importance of taking modern medicine during pregnancy to the community. The pregnant mothers need to initiate antenatal care attendance within first trimester so that they can be informed about medicines to be taken in pregnancy.
Efficacy of photodynamic therapy on candida colonization and clinical symptoms in denture stomatitis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Al-Maweri Sadeq A. , Alhajj Mohammed Nasser , Anweigi Lamyia , Ashraf Sajna , Halboub Esam , Salleh Nosizana Mohd , Alanazi Rawan H. , Nassani Mohammad Zakaria , Noushad Mohammed , Al-Khabuli Jumma O. , Shamala Anas 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has recently been proposed as a promising therapeutic option for Denture Stomatitis (DS). This updated systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the current evidence regarding the efficacy of PDT for DS.
Materials and methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest were searched up to June 7, 2023. All relevant clinical trials were included. RevMan software was used for meta-analysis.
Results: Elven randomized clinical trials (460 DS patients) were included. Eight studies assessed the efficacy of PDT vs. topical antifungal, while three studies assessed the adjunctive use of PDT (PDT+antifungal therapy) vs. topical antifungal therapy alone. The results revealed insignificant less efficacy of PDT in comparison to topical antifungal therapy on candida colonization at 15 days (MD: 0.95, 95% CI: -0.28, 2.19, p = 0.13), but comparable results at the end of follow-up (MD: -0.17, 95% CI: -1.33, 0.98, p = 0.77). The pooled two studies revealed relative better efficacy of adjunctive use of PDT with antifungal therapy on candida colonization compared to antifungal therapy alone at 15 days (MD: -6.67, 95% CI: -15.15, 1.82, p = 0.12), and at the end of follow-up (MD: -7.14, 95% CI: -19.78, 5.50, p = 0.27). Additionally, the results revealed comparable efficacy of PDT and topical antifungal therapy in improvement of the clinical signs.
Conclusions: PDT might be a viable option for DS as an adjunct or an alternative to the topical antifungal medications. Further studies with large sample sizes and standardized PDT parameters are warranted.
DNA damage repair factor TOP1 induces tumor-promoting inflammation and PD-L1 production via a cGAS-dependent manner during cervical cancer development
Authors: Hong Shiyuan , Luo Ying , Niu Mengda , Liu Yanfei , Zhang Miaochang , Deng Yuanyuan , Mu Dan , Xu Junfen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Cervical carcinogenesis is regulated by DNA damage repair (DDR) and inflammation. The DDR protein topoisomerase I (TOP1) has been implicated in various cancers due to its role in regulating genome stability. Recent studies have revealed that TOP1 regulates the anti-inflammatory response and TOP1 inhibition protects cells from COVID-19-induced death. However, the specific functions and mechanisms of TOP1 in cervical cancer (CC) remain unclear. Here, our research highlights the crucial role of TOP1 in the regulation of cervical tumorigenesis. TOP1 is highly expressed in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and CC tissues, which is negatively correlated with the prognosis of CC patients. Inhibiting TOP1 suppresses CC cell growth and impairs DNA repair both in vitro and in vivo. To trigger CC development, TOP1 promotes tumor-promoting inflammation and increases production of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-dependent manner. Human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoproteins E6 and E7 significantly upregulate TOP1 and facilitate activation of the cGAS-PD-L1 pathway. Our research demonstrates that TOP1 serves as a DNA repair factor, induces expression of tumor-promoting inflammatory genes and activates the non-canonical cGAS-PD-L1 pathway to promote CC development. Therefore, targeting TOP1-mediated cGAS-PD-L1 pathway could be a promising therapeutic strategy for CC.
Effects of FTY720 activation of PI3K signaling pathway to induce autophagy on proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Ling Qianlong , Zhu Bing , Guan Jiajia , Ji Kai , Zhao Xiangyang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Fingolimod (FTY720), a synthetic analogue of myriocon, has been the subject of numerous studies investigating its antitumor activity. Autophagy, a distinctive cellular process in eukaryotic cells, has been extensively explored in cancer metastasis research.The mechanisms by which FTY720 regulates autophagy in gastric cancer are still not clear.Therefore, exploring the relationship between FTY720 and autophagy regulation will help provide a new perspective for GC treatment.
Methods
We are using gene database analysis to investigate the impact of FTY720 on tumor progression. We aim to elucidate the effects of FTY720 on the biological behavior of gastric cancer cells SGC-7901 and HGC-27 in vitro, particularly focusing on the regulation of autophagy, as well as its influence on tumor growth in vivo. We will integrate histological and molecular methods to assess the biological behavior and explore the molecular mechanisms both in vitro and in vivo.
Results
Based on the database used in this investigation, it was discovered that FTY720 might inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells via inducing autophagy.FTY720 functions as a regulatory factor to promote autophagy expression, prevent GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in culture, and slow the formation of tumors in vivo.Experiments using the autophagy inhibitor (HCQ) revealed that FTY720's regulatory inhibition was dramatically reduced.Additionally, we showed that FTY720 significantly boosted PI3K phosphorylation levels although its total protein levels in GC cell lines did not alter appreciably.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our study demonstrated that FTY720 activates the PI3K pathway to cause autophagy, limit GC cell migration and invasion, and induce autophagy. It also suggested that FTY720 signaling molecules may be used as prospective GC therapeutic targets.
Predictive Value of Haemoglobin to Creatinine Ratio for Contrast Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Bhavsar Nimai , Panot Jayesh , Jain Vatsal , Ghanghurde Swati , Phad Mahesh , Rojekar Mohit 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Hemoglobin and creatinine levels are important factors for contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) development. Our aim in this study is to investigate the predictive value of Hemoglobin to Creatinine ratio (HCR) for CIN development in patients undergoing investigations using contrast media.
Methods
A total of 97 patients who underwent contrast requiring radiological investigations were evaluated prospectively in terms of CIN. HCR was calculated as baseline Hemoglobin/baseline serum creatinine value. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated with the Cockcroft-Gault formula. All the measured parameters were compared and analysed to calculate the HCR.
Results
CIN was detected in 6.19% (6 out of 97) patients. In receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis; AUC = 0.96 for Hemoglobin to creatinine ratio, p < 0.001, AUC for HB1 = 0.982 p < 0.001. The cutoff value of HCR was ≤ 7.91 and the cutoff value of HB1 was ≤ 8.8 g/dL for the development of CIN.
Conclusions
Hemoglobin to creatinine (HCR) ratio, HB1 and contrast amount used are significant predictors for CIN development in patients.
Elevated serum B-cell activator factor levels predict rapid progressive interstitial lung disease in anti-melanoma differentiation associated protein 5 antibody positive dermatomyositis
Authors: Shi Yumeng , You Hanxiao , Liu Chang , Qiu Yulu , Lv Chengyin , Zhu Yujing , Xu Lingxiao , Wang Fang , Zhang Miaojia , Tan Wenfeng 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Rapid progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) is the leading cause of anti-melanoma differentiation associated protein 5 antibody positive dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5+DM) related death. Elevated serum B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels have been implicated in connective tissue diseases associated ILD. Here, we evaluate whether BAFF could be a prognostic biomarker for predicting RP-ILD in anti-MDA5+DM patients.
Methods
Serums were collected from 39 patients with anti-MDA5+DM (20 with RP-ILD and 19 with non-RP-ILD), 20 antisynthase syndrome (ASS) patients and 20 healthy controls (HC). BAFF concentration was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
Serum BAFF level was higher in anti-MDA5+DM patients than those in ASS patients and HC (3882.32 ± 1880.09 vs. 2540.89 ± 1403.04 and 2486.28 ± 767.97 pg/mL, p = 0.0056 and 0.0038, respectively). Within anti-MDA5+DM groups, RP-ILD patients exhibited higher BAFF concentration than non-RP-ILD group (4549.78 ± 1839.97 vs. 3297.28 ± 1794.69 pg/mL, p = 0.04). The BAFF concentration was positively correlated with levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), dehydrogenase (LDH) and cytokeratin (CK) in anti-MDA5+DM patients (r = 0.350, p = 0.035; r = 0.393, p = 0.016; r = 0.518, p = 0.001; respectively). The best cut-off value of BAFF concentration was 2971.5 pg/mL by ROC curve (AUC area = 0.690, p = 0.045) and BAFF > 2971.5 pg/mL was an independent risk factor for RP-ILD using multivariate analysis (OR = 9.389, 95% CI = 1.609 - 54.769; p = 0.013).
Conclusions
Serum BAFF could be a useful prognostic biomarker for early detecting RP-ILD risk in anti-MDA5+DM patients.
Classification of Bruxism Based on Time- frequency and Nonlinear Features of single channel EEG
Authors: wang chunwu , Verma Ajay K. , Guragain Bijay , Xiong Xin , Liu Chunling 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background In the classification of Bruxism patients based on electroencephalogram (EEG), feature extraction is essential. The method of using multi-channel EEG and fusing electrocardiogram (ECG) and Electromyography (EMG) signal features has been proved to have good performance in Bruxism classification, but the classification performance based on single channel EEG signal is still unsatisfactory.
Methods Extract time-domain, frequency-domain and nonlinear features based on single channel EEG signal to improve the classification performance of Bruxism. Five common bipolar EEG recordings from 2 bruxism patients and 4 healthy controls during REM sleep were analyzed. The time domain (mean, standard deviation, root mean squared value), frequency domain (absolute, relative and ratios power spectral density (PSD)), and non-linear features include (sample entropy) of different EEG frequency bands were extracted from five channels of participant. Fine tree algorithm was trained and tested for classifying sleep bruxism and healthy controls using five-fold cross-validation.
Results Our results suggest that the C4P4 EEG channel was found to be most useful for classification of sleep bruxism and yielded 95.59% sensitivity, 98.44% specificity, 97.84% accuracy, and 94.20% positive predictive value (PPV).
Conclusions Our research has proved that the proposed features are effective, further demonstrating the feasibility of using only one EEG channel to classify sleep Bruxism, and providing experimental basis for developing a portable automatic sleep Bruxism detection system.