bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspirin versus placebo on estrogen levels in postmenopausal women: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Oghazian Mohammad Bagher , Shirzad Nooshin , Ahadi Mahdi , Eivazi Adli Shalaleh , Mollazadeh Samaneh , Radfar Mania 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Estrogen is involved in the pathogenesis of breast and gynecological cancers. Regular use of aspirin reduces estrogen levels. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aspirin on estrogen levels in postmenopausal women.

Methods
This double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group trial was conducted on postmenopausal women referred to an outpatient clinic at a women’s hospital in Tehran. Volunteers were randomly assigned to receive aspirin 100 mg/day or placebo for 6 weeks. Estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and testosterone levels at baseline and at the end of the intervention were measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, independent samples t-test, and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results
Twenty-seven and 28 participants were finally analyzed in the aspirin and placebo groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in body mass index (BMI), age, or menopausal years. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.002) in the amount of change in estradiol levels of the intervention group (median=− 3.5 pg/ml) compared to the control group (median=1.5 pg/ml). In contrast, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding testosterone and SHBG levels (p = 0.58, p = 0.32).

Conclusions
Since low doses of aspirin may decrease estradiol levels, it could be considered a promising adjunctive therapeutic candidate in postmenopausal women to decrease BC incidence. However, further studies with larger sample sizes, measurements of estrogen levels and its related compounds in different time points accompanied by long-term follow-ups are needed to better elucidate the potential mechanisms by which nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) negatively affect breast cancer.

Trial registration
IRCT201012195397N1. Date of first registration: 03/01/2011.
Electrochemical activity of glassy carbon electrode modified with ZnO nanoparticles prepared Via Senna Alata L. leaf extract towards antiretroviral drug
Authors: Ariyanta Harits Atika , Roji Fakhrur , Apriandanu Dewangga Oky Bagus 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe phytosynthesis method was used to prepare ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) via Senna alata L. leaf extract (SALE) by involving alkaloids, which play an essential role as a source of weak bases during the formation reaction of NPs. ZnO NPs on glassy carbon electrodes (GCE/ZnO NP) have been introduced to investigate its electrochemical activity towards the antiretroviral drug, lamivudine (3TC). Several characterization techniques, such as Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) techniques were employed to analyze the properties of GCE/ZnO NPs. As a result, ZnO NPs in spherical shape showed a high purity crystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure with a particle diameter of 40–60 nm. A Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) measurement confirmed that the electrochemical reduction of 3TC on GCE/ZnO NPs exhibited an excellent linear range of 10–300 µM with a detection limit of 1.902 µM, quantitation limit of 6.330 µM, and sensitivity of 0.0278 µA/µM. Thus, this research suggests a facile method for the preparation of material-based ZnO NPs as a promising antiretroviral drug sensors due to their excellent electrochemical properties.
Purification, identification and characterization of Nag2 N-acetylglucosaminidase from Trichoderma virens strain mango
Authors: Huang Jheng-Hua , Zeng Feng-Jin , Guo Jhe-Fu , Huang Jian-Yuan , Lin Hua-Chian , Lo Chaur-Tsuen , Chou Wing-Ming 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGase) could liberate N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) from GlcNAc-containing oligosaccharides. Trichoderma spp. is an important source of chitinase, particularly NAGase for industrial use. nag1 and nag2 genes encoding NAGase, are found in the genome in Trichoderma spp. The deduced Nag1 and Nag2 shares ~ 55% homology in Trichoderma virens. Most studies were focus on Nag1 and nag1 previously.

Results
The native NAGase (TvmNAG2) was purified to homogeneity with molecular mass of ~ 68 kDa on SDS-PAGE analysis, and identified as Nag2 by MALDI/MS analysis from an isolate T. virens strain mango. RT-PCR analyses revealed that only nag2 gene was expressed in liquid culture of T. virens, while both of nag1 and nag2 were expressed in T. virens cultured on the plates. TvmNAG2 was thermally stable up to 60 °C for 2 h, and the optimal pH and temperature were 5.0 and 60–65 °C, respectively, using p-nitrophenyl-N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminide (pNP-NAG) as substrate. The hydrolytic product of colloidal chitin by TvmNAG2 was suggested to be GlcNAc based on TLC analyses. Moreover, TvmNAG2 possesses antifungal activity, inhibiting the mycelium growth of Sclerotium rolfsii. And it was resistant to the proteolysis by papain and trypsin.

Conclusions
The native Nag2, TvmNAG2 was purified and identified from T. virens strain mango, as well as enzymatic properties. To our knowledge, it is the first report with the properties of native Trichoderma Nag2.
Implementation of piglet castration under inhalation anaesthesia on farrowing farms
Authors: Winner Eva-Maria , Beisl Marina , Gumbert Sophie , Härtel Helena , Kaiser Jennifer , Wernecke Anja , Senf Steffanie , Zablotski Yury , Ritzmann Mathias , Zöls Susanne 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Since 01.01.2021, suckling piglets may no longer be castrated without anaesthesia in Germany. Previous studies showed castration using isoflurane anaesthesia in combination with a suitable analgesic, meet the requirements of the German Animal Welfare Act. It can be carried out independently by farmers and other qualified persons with an automated and certified isoflurane device. Therefore, the aim of the present field study was to implement the use of three different anaesthetic devices for surgical castration of male piglets under automated isoflurane anaesthesia on 15 conventional pig farms in southern Germany. In addition, the depth of anaesthesia based on defensive movements, the labour time required in contrast to anaesthetic-free castration, castration-related anaesthetic incidents and the piglet mortality rate as well as occupational safety were investigated. For this purpose, farrowing batches of 11,574 piglets castrated under isoflurane anaesthesia (IA) were compared with the results of the 1568 piglets of anaesthetic-free farrowing batches (AF).

Results
In total, 80.1% of the castrated piglets showed sufficient depth of anaesthesia, although this varied significantly between devices. 1.7% of the piglets suffered an anaesthetic incident, of which 0.1% died during or within 24 h after anaesthesia. The required time for the complete working process differed significantly between AF (1.7 ± 0.8 min/piglet) and IA batches (2.2 ± 0.8 min/piglet) but not for castration itself. The mean isoflurane consumption was 0.57 ± 0.27 ml/piglet and differed significantly between the devices (p < 0.001). The isoflurane concentration in the ambient air of the person-related workplace safety measurements was below the internationally lowest value of 15 mg/m3 from Ontario and Israel.

Conclusion
In conclusion, 2 of the 3 types of devices used, a sufficient depth of anaesthesia during castration under isoflurane was achieved in 85% of castrated piglets. Anaesthetic incidents occurred in 1.7% of the animals, of which 0.1% died. Castration under isoflurane is more time-consuming than anaesthetic-free castration, but the castration time itself did not differ significantly. The occupational exposure limits were below the internationally lowest limit value of 15 mg/m3 for the persons involved. Even though castration under isoflurane is more time consuming than anaesthetic-free castration, it is a well-establishable method for practice and a dear improvement for animal welfare.
Cross-cultural validity of the five items Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS-5) in Peru and Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Reyes-Bossio Mario , Zapparigli Emilio Lafferrnaderie , Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Carbajal-León Carlos , Castaman Luis Alberto Olavarria , Pino Giovana Lourdes Hernandez , Sanchez Raymundo Calderon , Barbosa-Granados Sergio 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe Spanish version of the 5-item Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS-5) is a brief measure of the general tendency to be attentive and aware of experiences in the present moment during daily life. The MAAS-5 has been used in different countries; however, an assessment of its cross-cultural measurement invariance (MI) has not been conducted. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the cross-cultural measurement invariance of the MAAS-5 in university students from two countries: Peru and Mexico. A total of 1144 university students from Peru (N = 822) and Mexico (N = 322) responded online to the Spanish version of the 5-item Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS-5). A multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Measurement invariance tests the hypothesis that the model behind a set of scores is comparable between groups. The results showed that the unidimensional structure of the MAAS-5 is the same between Peruvian and Mexican university students. Therefore, it is suggested that university students from both countries conceptualize the mindfulness in a similar way. As a result, the MAAS-5 can be used to compare differences between countries. No significant differences were observed in the MAAS-5 score between Peruvian and Mexican university students. The present study contributes to a better understanding of the psychometric properties of the MAAS-5 by presenting MI results in two Latin American countries. Implications of the findings are discussed, which will facilitate a more solid and reliable use of the MAAS-5 in future cross-cultural studies.
Socioeconomic determinants of use and choice of modern contraceptive methods in Ghana
Authors: Nketiah-Amponsah Edward , Ampaw Samuel , Twumasi Baffour Priscilla 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The slow pace of fertility decline in Africa relative to other parts of the world has important implications for the region’s economic development. Modern contraceptive use is seen as important population control and family planning strategy by governments worldwide. This paper examines the socioeconomic determinants of modern contraceptive use and choice among Ghanaian men and women.

Methods
We use the most recent and nationally representative Ghana Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2014. The analysis is observational, with no causal implications. Bivariate and multivariate methods are used to analyse the data. We first use logistic regression to explore the correlates of modern contraceptive use among Ghanaian men and women. Second, we explore the socioeconomic factors influencing the choice of modern contraceptive methods among contraceptive users using multinomial logistic regression. We classify the modern methods of contraception into three groups: long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), short-acting contraceptives (SAC), and permanent contraceptives.

Results
Marital status proves to be the most significant predictor for both men and women, with women in monogamous unions having a greater propensity to use modern methods of contraception (OR = 1.4, p < 0.00). We also find that different factors affect the use and choice of modern methods of contraception among men and women in Ghana. Muslim men had a higher likelihood than Catholics to choose the permanent (sterilisation) method (OR = 11.9, p < 0.05), while their female counterparts were 0.25 times less likely to choose sterilisation over SAC (p < 0.05). Moreover, women who ever tested for HIV had higher use of LAC than the SAC ((RRR = 1.6, p < 0.01). The modern contraceptive users (women) with at most basic education were more likely than those with tertiary education to choose LAC over SAC. Finally, rural women with health insurance were 0.75 times (p < 0.01) less likely to use modern methods of contraception.

Conclusions
The paper reiterates the need to intensify and sustain public health education on the health benefits of using modern methods of contraception among the adult population. The paper suggests that including family planning services on Ghana’s national health insurance benefits package is commendable. It can promote modern contraceptive use and curtail unwarranted population growth.
Seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara canis antibodies and associated risk factors among dog owners in the rural community of Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand
Authors: Na-Ek Prasit , Narkkul Udomsak , Phasuk Nonthapan , Punsawad Chuchard 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Human toxocariasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the Toxocara canis and T. cati nematodes larvae. Dog owners are at a higher risk of acquiring T. canis infection, and there is no available evidence regarding the seroprevalence of T. canis infection among dog owners in Thailand. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. canis infection and associated risk factors among dog owners in rural areas of Thailand.

Methods
A total of 132 dog owners, including 25 men and 107 women, were recruited for this study. Serum anti-T. canis IgG antibodies were detected using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, and information on risk factors was collected using a questionnaire. In addition, hematological parameters were analyzed by the auto hematology analyzer. Risk variables associated with T. canis infection were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results
The overall seroprevalence of T. canis was 76.5% (101/132). Men were more likely to be infected with T. canis than women. Univariate analysis revealed that dog owners who did not practice handwashing before meals (p = 0.005) or after contact with soil (p = 0.035) or dogs (p = 0.049) had a substantially higher risk of acquiring T. canis infection. After adjusting for confounders, not practicing handwashing before meals remained a significant risk factor for T. canis infection (p = 0.038). The mean number of eosinophils was significantly higher in the seropositive group than in the seronegative group.

Conclusions
This is the first serological report of T. canis infection among dog owners reflecting the high rate of T. canis seropositivity in rural areas of southern Thailand. This study also provides group-specific data concerning modifiable risk behaviors for more effective T. canis infection control and prevention strategies in Thailand.
Tantalum-specific contrast-to-noise ratio or conventional detector dose-driven exposure control in angiography: radiation dose and image quality evaluation in a porcine model
Authors: Werncke Thomas , Meine Timo Christian , Hinrichs Jan B. , Maschke Sabine K. , Becker Lena Sophie , Brüsch Inga , Rumpel Regina , Wacker Frank K. , Meyer Bernhard C. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The aim of this animal study was to compare the fluoroscopic image quality (IQ) and radiation dose between a tantalum (Ta)-specific contrast-to-noise ratio-driven exposure control (Ta-CEC) and a detector dose-driven exposure control (DEC) in abdominal angiography.

Methods
Nine angiography scenarios were created in seven anaesthetised pigs using Ta-based embolisation material during percutaneous liver and kidney intervention. Fluoroscopic images were acquired using three DEC protocols with different dose levels and Ta-CEC protocols with different IQ levels, sampled in small steps. Polymethyl-methacrylate and aluminium plates were used to simulate attenuation of three water equivalent thicknesses (WET). Three blinded readers evaluated the IQ of DEC and dose equivalent Ta images and selected the Ta-IQ equivalent image corresponding to the DEC image.

Results
Interobserver agreement for the IQ assessment was 0.43 for DEC, 0.56 for Ta-CEC and for the assessment of incident air kerma at the interventional reference point (Ka,r) for the Ta-IQ equivalent image 0.73. The average IQ of the dose equivalent Ta images was superior compared to the DEC images (p < 0.001) and also for every WET (26, 31, or 36 cm) and dose level (p ≤ 0.022). The average Ka,r for the Ta-IQ equivalent images was 59 ± 16% (mean ± standard deviation) lower compared to the DEC images (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Compared to DEC, Ta-CEC significantly improved the fluoroscopic depiction of Ta, while maintaining the Ka,r. Alternatively, the Ka,r can be significantly reduced by using Ta-CEC instead of DEC, while maintaining equivalent IQ.
Probabilistic analysis of long-term loss incorporating maximum entropy method and analytical higher-order moments
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Yaohan , Dong You 
Published: May 2022

AbstractQuantifying economic losses of civil infrastructures subjected to various hazards under a life-cycle context is of vital importance for risk assessment and management. In previous studies, the expected long-term loss has been widely applied as a standard decision criterion during the life-cycle analysis. However, the expectation may not be informative enough to illustrate uncertainties associated with the long-term loss. Therefore, the higher-order moments and the probability distribution should be investigated. In this paper, a probabilistic analysis framework is proposed to construct the probability density function and cumulative distribution function of long-term loss by assessing the analytical statistical moments. The stochastic renewal process is utilized to assess the long-term loss by considering uncertainties associated with stochastic occurrence and frequency of the hazards. Based on the maximum entropy method, the proposed approach shows superior efficiency to assess the probability distribution of long-term loss than crude Monte Carlo simulation. The probability distribution can be essential information for decision-making process of risk management. An illustrative example is investigated to show the probability density function of long-term loss of civil infrastructure subjected to hurricane hazards. A good agreement of results obtained by the proposed approach and Monte Carlo simulation has verified the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Surface relaxivities and bulk relaxation times from nuclear magnetic resonance T1-T2 logging in unconventional reservoirs
Authors: Ijasan Olabode 
Published: May 2022

In borehole nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging of unconventional reservoirs, important fundamental parameters such as surface relaxation, bulk fluid relaxation, pore size, and wettability often are ignored because their controls are nontrivial. We developed a data-driven workflow to estimate surface relaxivities and bulk relaxation times from borehole wireline NMR [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] measurements for practical modeling of petrophysical properties in unconventional reservoirs. The workflow, in a series of analytical steps, initially implements petrophysical multimodal analysis of [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] maps to identify naturally clustered responses of key relaxation effects. Subsequently, it then jointly derives apparent bulk relaxation times ([Formula: see text]) and surface relaxivities, i.e., transverse ([Formula: see text]) and longitudinal ([Formula: see text]), per distinct petrophysically relevant pore and fluid types. The results, and associated uncertainties, in an unconventional field are within ranges of published experiments in the literature for siliciclastic clay- and organic-rich formations. This approach for in situ, in contrast to laboratory, derivations of surface relaxivities in unconventional reservoirs creates novel opportunities to estimate NMR-based pore-size distributions and permeability in the subsurface.
Investigating characteristics of patients with mental disorders to predict out-patient physician follow-up within 30 days of emergency department discharge
Authors: Gabet Morgane , Gentil Lia , Lesage Alain , Fleury Marie-Josée 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundPrompt follow-up at emergency department discharge is a key indicator of healthcare quality and patient recovery. To improve services, better knowledge of predictors for out-patient physician follow-up within 30 days after discharge is needed.AimsWe investigated clinical and sociodemographic characteristics and service use to predict patients with mental disorders with or without physician follow-up after emergency department use.MethodThis study used data extracted from clinical administrative databases for 9514 patients who attended an emergency department in Quebec (Canada) in 2014–2015 (index visit) for mental health reasons. Patient clinical and sociodemographic characteristics from 2012–2013 to 2014–2015, and service use 12 months before the index visit, were investigated as predictors for patients with or without prompt follow-up, using hierarchical logistic regression.ResultsTwo-thirds of patients did not receive prompt physician follow-up. Patients with level 1–2 illness acuity at emergency department triage (needing immediate or urgent care); those with adjustment or bipolar disorders, but without alcohol-related disorders (clinical characteristics); and patients with higher continuity of physician care, more psychosocial interventions in community healthcare centres and prior hospital admission (service use characteristics) were more likely to receive prompt out-patient follow-up.ConclusionsAccess to medical care was poor, considering the high needs of this population. The role of the emergency department as a gateway for accessing out-patient care may be strengthened by strategies like screening, brief intervention including motivational treatments, brief case management offered by emergency department staff, timely referral to services and better post-discharge planning. Collaborative care for patients attending emergency departments should also be improved.
Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear body-like structures can assemble in mouse oocytes
Authors: Udagawa Osamu , Kato-Udagawa Ayaka , Hirano Seishiro 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT
Promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies (PML-NBs), a class of membrane-less cellular organelles, participate in various biological activities. PML-NBs are known as the core-shell-type nuclear body, harboring ‘client’ proteins in their core. Although multiple membrane-less organelles work in the oocyte nucleus, PML-NBs have been predicted to be absent from oocytes. Here, we show that some well-known PML clients (but not endogenous PML) co-localized with small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) protein in the nucleolus and peri-centromeric heterochromatin of maturing oocytes. In oocytes devoid of PML-NBs, endogenous PML protein localized in the vicinity of chromatin. During and after meiotic resumption, PML co-localized with SUMO gathering around chromosomes. To examine the benefit of the PML-NB-free intranuclear milieu in oocytes, we deliberately assembled PML-NBs by microinjecting human PML-encoding plasmids into oocytes. Under conditions of limited SUMO availability, assembled PML-NBs tended to cluster. Upon proteotoxic stress, SUMO delocalized from peri-centromeric heterochromatin and co-localized with SC35 (a marker of nuclear speckles)-positive large compartments, which was disturbed by pre-assembled PML-NBs. These observations suggest that the PML-NB-free intranuclear environment helps reserve SUMO for emergent responses by redirecting the flux of SUMO otherwise needed to maintain PML-NB dynamics.