bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emotional Loneliness in Elderly: Association with Cognitive Performance and Sleep Quality in One of Indonesia’s Rural Areas
Authors: Olga Atsira  , Ayu Nisa'  , Muhammad Hanun Mahyuddin  , Rakha Rahmatullah  , Aita Silia  , Azimatul Karimah  
Published: December 2024

Introduction: A growing body of studies focuses on the association between loneliness defined as social isolation with sleep quality and cognitive performance, whereas emotional loneliness has not received much attention.
Objective: Determine the association between emotional loneliness, cognitive performance, and sleep quality in one of Indonesia’s rural areas.
Method: The sample comprised 30 Indonesian individuals > 60 years old living in rural areas. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The quality of sleep was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Meanwhile, emotional loneliness was conducted using the UCLA Loneliness Scare. Using Pearson correlation, bivariate analysis was performed between physical health, sociodemographic factors, cognitive function, and sleep quality with loneliness.
Results: There is a significant moderate correlation between loneliness and diabetes (p-value = 0.001, r = 0.573). There is a significant low correlation between loneliness and MMSE score (p-value = 0.03, r = 0.397). And there is a significant high correlation between loneliness and PSQI score (p-value = 0.000, r = 0.886). Two components of sleep quality that show a statistically significant correlation with loneliness are subjective sleep quality (p-value = 0.000, r = 0.6) and sleep duration (p-value = 0.023, r = 0.414 ).
Conclusion: This is the first study to examine the association between emotional loneliness with sleep quality and cognitive function in one of Indonesia’s rural areas.

Keywords: Loneliness, Sleep quality, Cognitive performance, Elderly
Fates of nutrient elements and heavy metals during thermal conversion of cattle slurry-derived anaerobic digestates
Authors: Lane Daniel J. , Sippula Olli , Jokiniemi Jorma , Heimonen Mikko , Kinnunen Niko M. , Virkajärvi Perttu , Shurpali Narasinha J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Thermal processes are emerging as promising solutions to recovering phosphorus and other nutrient elements from anaerobic digestates. The feasibility of nutrient element recovery depends largely on the fates of nutrient elements and heavy metals during thermal processing. This study assesses the partitioning of macronutrients (N, P, K, Na, Ca and Mg) and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, and Mn) between condensed and gaseous phases during thermal conversion of cattle slurry digestates in gas atmospheres of pyrolysis, combustion, and gasification processes. This study also assesses the chemical forms of macronutrients retained in combustion ashes. The partitioning of elements between condensed and gaseous phases was quantified by mass balances based on elemental analyses of char and ash residues. The char and ash residues were prepared in a fixed-bed, batch reactor at temperatures within the range 800–1000°C. Powder X-ray diffraction was used to identify the chemical forms of macronutrient elements in combustion ashes. Volatilisation of P was low (< 20%) when the digestates were heated in inert and oxidising atmospheres, whereas a reducing atmosphere volatilized P to a major extent (~ 60% at 1000°C). Oxidising atmospheres increased volatilisation of N but suppressed volatilisation of K, Na, and Zn. Volatilisation of the following elements was low (< 30%) in all investigated operating conditions: Ca, Mg, Mn, and Cu. The combustion ashes contained both high concentrations of P (around 7 w/w%) and acceptable concentrations of regulated heavy metals (Cu, and Zn) for application on agricultural and forest soils in Finland. Phosphorous was retained in the combustion ashes in the form of whitlockite. This form of P is expected to be available to plants when the ashes are added to soil.
Treatment with combined exercise in patients with resistant major depression (TRACE-RMD): study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Iriarte-Yoller Nagore , Echaniz-Oses Jose , Pavón-Navajas Cristobal , Tous-Espelosin Mikel , Sánchez-Gómez Pedro M. , MALDONADO-MARTIN SARA , Yoller-Elburgo Ana B. , Elizagarate-Zabala Edorta 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Around 40% of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) experience moderate remission, with the remainder meeting the criteria for resistant major depression (RMD). It has been shown that exercise has a low-to-moderate effect on MDD, but there is a lack of evidence on exercise interventions in RMD patients. The primary purpose of the proposed study will be to investigate the effect of a 12-week supervised combined exercise program on depressive symptoms in people with RMD compared to a treatment-as-usual (TAU) group.
Method
This randomized, single-blind, controlled experimental trial will include 70 adults (≥ 18 years old) with RMD. Participants randomized to an exercise intervention or a TAU group will be assessed at baseline and after a three-month intervention period. The primary variable will be participants’ depressive symptoms measured with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Secondary outcome variables will include cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake through peak cardiopulmonary exercise test), body composition (bioimpedance and anthropometric variables), physical activity level (the International Physical Activity Questionnaire), health-related quality of life (the Short Form – 36 Health Survey), functional outcome (the Sheehan Disability Scale and Quality of Life in Depression Scale), overall disease severity (the Clinical Global Impression Scale – Severity of Illness), and biochemical variables (a fasting blood sample).
Discussion
This study will try to answer whether a supervised co-adjuvant combined (aerobic and resistance training) exercise program will help the prognosis of this population with RMD.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05136027. Last public release on 12/13/2023
Plant-pollinator network in a vereda ecosystem: Tree and non-tree species differ in their temporal importance
Authors: Santos Raissa Tais , Moreira Suzana Neves , Nunes Yule Roberta Ferreira , Azevedo Islaine Franciely , Alcântara Daniel Máximo Correa , Araújo Walter Santos , Souza Camila Silveira 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Ecological interactions are fundamental to community structure and ecosystem functioning. Due to temporal variation in resource availability, it is important to understand how these interactions vary in different seasons. We investigated plant-pollinator interactions in a vereda formation to understand how interactions vary temporally, and how the habit and floral attributes of plants and different groups of pollinators can contribute to the structure of the interaction network. The study was conducted in the Rio Pandeiros Environmental Protection Area (EPA Rio Pandeiros), on species from the plant community of vereda Almescla, located in the municipality of Bonito de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Collections were carried out in September 2022 and February 2023. Plant species with flowers were sampled, and their floral attributes were analyzed. The floral visitors had their behavior observed, were collected and stored for identification. We used mono - and multilayer ecological network analyses to understand how interactions are structured between seasons. As a result, dry season network was significantly more specialized, possibly due to lower resource availability. Overall, tree plants are more important for the multilayer network structure. However, when evaluated between seasons, non-tree plants were significantly more important in the rainy season to maintain pollinator diversity. Here, we demonstrate for the first time, using multilayer network analysis, how plant-pollinator interactions vary between seasons in vereda formation. We highlight the importance of asynchrony between tree and non-tree species in the availability of resources during different periods, which contributes to the maintenance of different groups of pollinators in both seasons.
Chronic endometritis and fertility: still a debatable issue
Authors: Isikoglu Mete , Çiftçioğlu Akif , Avcı Ayşenur 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose: We conducted this study to help elucidate the clinical relevance of CE with fertility.
Methods: Prospective cohort study including 60 patients undergoing hysteroscopy for various indications were triaged into three arms: patients with a history of implantation failure in IVF treatment constructed the first arm (#25), second arm included patients with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (#20) and the third group confined patients undergoing H/S for other indications (#15). Endometrial sampling was performed in all cases prior to starting the H/S procedure.
Results: Baseline characteristics, demographic variables and percentage of history of healthy deliveries were similar for the three groups. Twenty six (43%) patients were diagnosed with CE based on histopathologic assessment, and endometrial culture results were positive in only two (3.3%) cases. We found no difference in the incidence of CE among three groups.
Conclusion: CE may be among the probable reasons for reproductive disorders but strenous investigations should be reserved in limited cases whereas more probable reasons have been excluded.
Ameliorative action of probiotics on the neurotoxicological effect of Aluminium chloride and D-galactose
Authors: Dasriya Vaishali , Kumari Manorama , Ranveer Soniya , Behare Pradip , Puniya Anil Kumar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC701 against AlCl3 and D-galactose (D-gal) -induced Alzheimer rat model. The dose of AlCl3 (50mg/kg body weight) and D-gal (100mg/kg bodyweight) for 7 days induced oxidative stress such as amyloid plaque deposition, neuroinflammation, and reduction of neurotransmitters in the brain. In contrast, the supplementation of NCDC701 improved the neurotransmitter levels, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, while decreased the amyloid peptide, pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as LPS in colon and brain. The recovery in amyloid plaque deposition and tissue injury was also confirmed by the histopathological examinations. The supplementation of NCDC701 also improved the decreased expression levels of intestinal tight junction proteins, inhibited the up-regulation of p65, COX-2 and iNOS expression, and improved gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, promoted beneficial microflora (Oscillospira, Ruminococcus, Verrucomicrobia, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella), and suppressed the pathogenic microflora (Spirochaetes, Tenericutes, Prophyromonadaceae, Coprococcus, Clostridium, and Allobaculum) by increasing the concentration of butyrate and total SCFAs compared to the AlCl3 and D-gal treated model. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the effect of NCDC701 intervention on the gut–microbiome–brain axis and should aid future understanding of probiotics for improved host health.
MT2A Promotes Angiogenesis in Chronically Ischemic Brains through a Copper–Mitochondria Regulatory Mechanism
Authors: Mo Ni , Tai Chuyang , Yang Yang , Ling Cong , Zhang Baoyu , Yao Ci'an , Wei Lei , Wang Hui , Chen Chuan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Recent studies have indicated that copper overload (CPO) has cytotoxic effects, and metallothionein 2A (MT2A) has a high affinity for metal ions. However, it is unclear whether MT2A can normalize endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and angiogenesis in chronically ischemic brains by neutralizing excessive copper ions during CPO.
Methods
Dura matter (DM) samples from patients with chronic ischemic cerebrovascular disease were collected, and the expression of cuproptosis-related genes (DLAT, FDX1 and SDHB) was determined. CPO in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was induced by elesclomol and CuCl2. HUVEC activity under hypoxia and the structure and function of mitochondria were compared among groups with different copper ion concentrations and different MT2A expression levels. Furthermore, a rat model of 2-vessel occlusion plus encephalo-myo-synangiosis (2VO + EMS) with CPO was established to explore the ability of MT2A to promote angiogenesis through a copper–mitochondria regulatory mechanism in chronically ischemic brains.
Results
Compared with those from Matsushima grade A patients, DM samples from Matsushima grade C patients presented significantly greater DLAT and FDX1 expression and significantly lower SDHB expression. HUVEC activity under hypoxia was significantly decreased in the CPO group. DLAT oligomerization was increased and SDHB expression was significantly decreased in the CPO group. Mitochondrial aberrations were significantly more common and mitochondrial activity was significantly lower in the CPO group than in the control group. MT2A overexpression alleviated the impairment of HUVEC activity and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by CPO. In vivo, CPO inhibited cerebral angiogenesis in 2VO + EMS model rats. CD31 expression was significantly greater in the CPOMT2A+ group than in the CPO group. DLAT accumulation was significantly less common in the CPOMT2A+ group than in the CPO group. Less mitochondrial swelling and fewer vacuoles were observed in the CPOMT2A+ group than in the CPO group. Cerebral blood perfusion (CBP) and performance in the Morris water maze test were better in the CPOMT2A+ group than in the CPO group.
Conclusion
CPO inhibits EC proliferation and angiogenesis by impairing mitochondrial structure and function, whereas MT2A promotes EC proliferation and angiogenesis by neutralizing excessive copper ions and rescuing mitochondrial function.
Prognostic significance of lymphovascular invasion in pN0 stage gastric cancer: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Jiao Xuguang , Wang Yu , Fu Hao , Liu Yongning , Qu Jianjun , Fu Weihua 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
To explore the potential impact of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) on overall survival (OS) of pN0 stage gastric cancer (GC) after curative resection.
Methods
A total of 497 GC patients who underwent curative gastrectomy and postoperative pathology proved negative lymph node metastasis between January 2015 and December 2018 in our center were enrolled in this study. All patients were divided into two groups according to the status of LVI. Their clinical and pathological features were compared between two groups and potential prognostic factors were analyzed using the propensity score matching analysis (PSM).
Results
Ninety-nine (19.9%) patients had LVI. Patients with LVI had worse survival outcomes both in the entire and PSM cohort (χ2 = 19.635, p<0.001; χ2 = 9.367 p = 0.002). After PSM, data of 99 pairs of patients were extracted. Multivariate analysis revealed that number of examined lymph nodes (LNs), and LVI were independent predictors of OS (all p < 0.05). Following stratified analysis, patients with LNs 11–25 and those without LVI tended to have better OS than those with LVI (LNs 11–15:χ2 = 5.019, p = 0.0.025; LNs 16–25:χ2 = 11.876, p = 0.0.001).
Conclusions
pN0 stage GC patients with LVI have poor prognosis. More than 15 lymph nodes need to be dissected to reduce the influence of LVI on the prognosis of pN0 stage GC patients.
Intelligent Recognition and Pricing System of Deep Learning Model by Integrated Development
Authors: Yunfei Wang , Yaping Li 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The paper presents an intelligent recognition and pricing system designed with centralized training and decentralized invocation of deep learning model, enhancing automation level of product recognition and weighing in retail industry, optimizing shopping experience. The system integrates cameras, electronic scales, and thermal printers, leveraging cloud-based deep learning technologies to facilitate Intelligently product recognition. Research methods involves constructing a convolutional neural network model on cloud, conducting centralized training and validation on fruit and vegetable images, and subsequently uploading product images locally to invoke cloud-based recognition results. Result reveal that the system achieves a recognition accuracy of no less than 95% for 30 distinct types fruits and vegetables. This study not only validates the feasibility and accuracy of cloud-based deep learning models in product recognition, marking an Integrated innovation of artificial intelligence in retail, but also fosters large-scale application of artificial intelligence.
Study on the Influence of Green Information Disclosure Quality of Chinese Heavy Polluting Enterprises on Corporate Financing--Comparative Test Based on "Real Green" and "Fake Green"
Authors: Gu Chunxia , Shen Meixia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

As an important part of the process of sustainable development, the quality of green information disclosure of enterprises is crucial. Employing the data of 784 listed companies in the heavy pollution industries between 2015 and 2022, this paper applies the fixed effect regression model to reveal the impact of corporate environmental information disclosure behavior on corporate financing from the two dimensions of "quantity" and "quality" of green information disclosure. According to the content of enterprise green information disclosure, it can be divided into "Real green" behavior and "Fake green" behavior. Results show that: Higher quality of green information disclosure positively promotes corporate financing; Compared with the "Fake green", the "Real green" behavior of enterprises has a more significant promoting effect on financing; There is a significant mediating effect of the green reputation on corporate environmental information disclosure quality and the financing; Further, the quality of green information disclosure of state ownership enterprises, central regions and large-scale enterprises has a more significant impact on financing.
Efficient Controller design for optimal stabilization and synchronization of incommensurate non-integer order chaotic systems
Authors: Djari Abdelhamid , Djabri Riadh , Bouarroudj Noureddine , Houam Yehya , Bettayeb Maamar , Agajie Takele Ferede 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Given the wide-ranging presence of chaotic systems in nature and technology , it is crucial for researchers to develop versatile and effective control designs to ensure the stability and synchronization of these non-linear complex systems. For this reason, this study proposes a novel efficient control using the Fractional-Order backstepping technique tuned by Genetic Algorithm optimization method to guarantee the stability and synchronization of incommensurate non-integer order chaotic systems. The genetic algorithm aims to minimize the control energy for both stability and synchronization of the two studied non-identical non-integer order chaotic systems configured in a master-slave form. The stability analysis in this study is based on the Mittag-Leffler principle to stabilize each subsystem, using chosen candidate functions that include fractional-order derivative terms. This makes the approach well-suited for Lyapunov stability analysis of the whole system. The results of applying the proposed control approach on non-integer form of Duffing-Holmes system and Van-der Pol oscillator show that the desired stability around the equilibrium point of these simulated non-identical chaotic systems was successfully achieved for different initial conditions. Simultaneously , zero synchronization error (e=0) between these two chaotic systems was ensured, thereby fulfilling the synchronization condition. This paper confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, which integrates the fractional-order backstepping technique with a genetic algorithm, in achieving both stabilization and synchronization of incommensurate non-integer order chaotic systems under varying initial conditions.
Leveraging Institutions for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of South Korea
Authors: Shin Kotbee 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study analyzes the impacts of institutional quality on CO2 emissions for Korea, using an autoregressive distributed lags model. We investigate the long-run relationship between CO2 emissions, economic growth, energy consumption, renewable energy consumption, and various dimensions of institutional quality. Our findings suggest that improvement of selected dimensions of institutional quality, including control of corruption, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law and voice and accountability, can significantly contribute to CO2 emissions reduction. The results also support the validity of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and Korea has reached the turning point of CO2 emissions decline accompanied by economic growth. The analysis also indicates that renewable energy consumption has a positive impact on reducing CO2 emissions. These results underscore the critical role of effective institutions in fostering sustainable economic development and environmental protection in South Korea.
JEL Classification: Q51, Q56, E02, O44
The effect of students’ attitudes towards elderly patients on patients satisfaction with Removable complete dentures
Authors: AlHakim Rama , AlKhouli Muaaz , Hajeer Mohammad Younis , Al-Saadi Mohannad H. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Elderly patients’ satisfaction with removable complete dentures (RCDs) is very challenging to be achieved. One important influencing factor is the interpersonal-formed relationship during the treatment. This study investigates a student-patient relation while fabricating RCDs. It assesses the effects of dental students’ attitudes towards the elderly people on patients’ satisfaction outcome.
Materials and Methods: A prospective longitudinal study followed up complete-edentulous patients, aged 50 years and over, who received upon the end of treatment newly fabricated RCDs by undergraduate students. All RCDs were objectively evaluated by expert examiners, and only those of high ratings, scoring above 80%, were included (N=533). Students’ attitudes towards elderly people were assessed using the Kogan’s scale (KAOP). Patient’s satisfaction was assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) after one month of using the dentures.
Results: A weak-positive but significant correlation was found between students’ scores on the KAOP scale and elderly patients’ satisfaction with the dentures. Significant differences were noted in patients’ satisfaction with their RCDs between different students’ attitude groups, in favor of positive/slightly positive attitude groups.
Discussion: Students’ attitudes toward elderly people reflected on their behavior and communication while treating elderly patients. That, in turn, affected patients’ satisfaction with the dentures; as the dentist-patient relationship is a significant influencing factor.
Conclusion: Differences in elderly patients’ satisfaction with good quality RCDs fabricated by undergraduate students can be attributed to students’ attitudes toward elderly people; the more-positive attitudes the students have, the higher satisfaction their patients report.