bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Aging and Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Chenyi , Yang Gang , Liu Yuehua 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repetitive interruptions of breathing during sleep, significantly impacting cardiovascular and metabolic health. Epigenetic aging, measured via DNA methylation-based clocks, has emerged as a robust predictor of biological aging and associated health outcomes. This study investigates the causal relationship between epigenetic aging and the risk of sleep apnea using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
Methods
We utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for epigenetic aging markers (HannumAge, HorvathAge, PhenoAge, and GrimAge) and sleep apnea from FinnGen. Instrumental variables were selected based on stringent criteria to ensure validity. The causal association was assessed using inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger methods. Sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity and pleiotropy assessments, were conducted to validate the robustness of the findings.
Results
In this study, using Mendelian randomization analysis, we investigated the relationship between epigenetic age acceleration markers HannumAge, HorvathAge, PhenoAge, and GrimAge, and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The results showed that these markers of epigenetic age acceleration were not significantly associated with an increased risk of OSA. Quality control assessments confirmed the reliability of our findings. Although previous literature suggests an association between epigenetic age acceleration and sleep apnea, our study did not support a causal relationship between the two. This finding provides a new perspective on the relationship between epigenetic age acceleration and OSA, highlighting the need for further research.
Conclusion
The current Mendelian randomization analysis revealed no causal relationship between epigenetic clocks and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the potential for a shared genetic architecture should be considered. Conducting a comorbidity genetic analysis may provide further insights into this relationship.
Gentrification, measures of neighborhood change, and infant mortality in Michigan
Authors: Murosko Daria , Passarella Molly , Montoya-Williams Diana , Mehdipanah Roshanak , Lorch Scott 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Infant mortality (IM), or death prior to the first birthday, is a key public health metric that increases with neighborhood structural inequities. However, neighborhood exposures shift as communities undergo gentrification, a pattern of neighborhood change defined by increasing affluence (in wealth, education, and housing costs). Gentrification has inconsistent associations with infant health outcomes like IM, which may be due to differing relationships between its composite measures and such outcomes. We designed a retrospective cohort analysis of all births and deaths from 2010–2019 across 4 metropolitan areas in Michigan to determine how gentrification and its neighborhood-change components are associated with risk of IM, using multilevel multivariable logistic regression models. Among 672,432 infants, 0.52% died before 1 year. IM was not associated with gentrification overall. However, in unadjusted models, odds of IM were 40% and 15% lower for infants living in tracts in the top quartile increase in household income and college completion, respectively, compared to infants from tracts with the least amount of change. Odds of IM were conversely increased 29% in infants from tracts with the most increases in rent, though these differences were attenuated when adjusting for individual social factors. Indicators of increasing community affluence, which are often combined to define gentrification, have opposing relationships with IM. Policies and interventions that address rising housing costs may reduce IM.
Role of Soil Fungal Communities in Root Decomposition Across Various Root Orders in Temperate Forest Plantations
Authors: Gao Yang , Pan Li , Zhao Dehai , Sun Tao , Wang Xiuwei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims: Root decomposition is pivotal for nutrient cycling and energy flow in forest ecosystems, yet the comprehensive understanding of this process, particularly concerning root order, remains elusive.
Methods:Our three-year experimental study explores root decomposition dynamics of four prevalent tree species in northeastern China under the influence of global warming trends. Utilizing spatial variation, we investigate how native and non-native root decompose across different sites.
Results: Our findings reveal that root decomposition rates vary significantly with site, tree species, and litter source. Notably, decomposition rates decreased with increasing latitude, with slower rates observed at specific root levels regardless of climate or microbial influence. Furthermore, the composition and abundance of ectomycorrhizal fungi, saprotrophs, and pathotrophs in the soil play a crucial role in root litter decomposition, particularly influencing the mass remining in mid-order roots.
Conclusion: Our study sheds light on order-based root decomposition dynamics and enhances understanding of carbon dynamics in perennial plantation-dominated soil ecosystems.
Deriving non-perturbative gravity dual of quantum Liouville theory from BCFT operator algebra
Authors: Hung Ling-Yan , Chen Lin , Jiang Yikun , Lao Bingxin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We demonstrate that, by utilizing the boundary conformal field theory (BCFT) operator algebra of the Liouville CFT, one can express its path-integral on any Riemann surface as a three dimensional path-integral with appropriate boundary conditions, generalising the recipe for rational CFTs. This serves as a constructive method for deriving the quantum holographic dual of the CFT, which reduces to Einstein gravity in the large central charge limit. As a byproduct, the framework provides an explicit discrete state-sum of a 3D non-chiral topological theory constructed from quantum 6j symbols of $\mathcal{U}_q(SL(2,\mathbb{R}))$ with non-trivial boundary conditions, representing a long-sought non-perturbative discrete formulation of 3D pure gravity with negative cosmological constant, at least within a class of three manifolds. This constitutes the first example of an exact holographic tensor network that reproduces a known irrational CFT with a precise quantum gravitational interpretation.
PACS numbers: 11.15.-q, 71.10.-w, 05.30.Pr, 71.10.Hf, 02.10.Kn, 02.20.Uw
Effects of the Conditional Cash Transfer Program on Poverty and Income Distribution in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Vásquez Harold , Pellerano José , Rosa Daniel De la 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of the Dominican Republic?s PROSOLI cash transfer program on poverty and inequality from 2005 to 2019, offering insights into the program?s role in reducing poverty. Using simulations based on administrative data, we find that PROSOLI reduces overall poverty by an average of 0.83 percentage points, with notable declines in extreme poverty, particularly under optimized beneficiary targeting. Our results highlight the advantage of leveraging administrative data over self-reported survey data, improving the precision of poverty measures and program evaluations. We simulate various scenarios, comparing the impact with potential outcomes from alternative beneficiaries and benefit allocations. This approach provides a unique perspective, demonstrating how administrative data can significantly enhance the effectiveness of social programs by offering a more accurate assessment of their impact. Our findings underscore the potential of evidence-based policymaking to address poverty and inequality challenges more effectively. Overall, this paper contributes to the literature on cash transfer programs by presenting a method that refines poverty measurements and highlights the broader socioeconomic benefits of such initiatives, offering valuable insights for policymakers aiming to optimize social assistance programs.
JEL Classification: C54 , D63 , I38
Daily range sizes correlate positively with resting metabolic rate in bush Karoo rats (Otomys unisulcatus)
Authors: QIU Jingyu , Makuya Lindelani 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Home range size limits the number of resources an individual can access; hence, it often increases with energy demands. However, maintaining a large home range also requires more energy expenditure, and foraging over a larger area can decrease search efficiency, especially for central place foragers that travel frequently between a home base and food patches. Consequently, individuals may need to reduce energy expenditure in other aspects, such as resting metabolic rate (RMR). So far, studies examining the relationship between home range size and RMR are limited. In this study, we investigated whether RMR is correlated with home range size in bush Karoo rats (Otomys unisulcatus). Using the Foxbox and mini-GPS dataloggers, we measured body mass, RMR (scaled by body mass), and daily home ranges of 25 female adult bush Karoo rats in the field. As commonly found in home range studies, body mass was associated with range size in bush Karoo rats. In addition, body mass-scaled RMR was positively associated with home range size. This suggests that a larger home range provides sufficient energy to support the increased energy expenditure required for foraging, as well as a higher energy budget for basal biological processes in female bush Karoo rats.
Financial Development and Economic Growth: A Case of Developing Countries
Authors: Pham Diem Thi Thuy , Nguyen Hoai Trong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study analyses the effect of financial development on economic growth in 64 developing countries during the period 2003–2017 using a Bayesian model averaging approach. The results indicate that financial development has a significant U-shaped effect on economic growth, providing new insight concerning the relationship between financial development and economic growth. We also demonstrate that investment to gross domestic product ratio and foreign direct investment have significant positive effects on economic growth, whereas population growth has a significant negative impact on economic growth.
JEL classification: C11, N2, O1, O4.
Genetic basis of endometriosis comorbidity
Authors: Ponomareva T. A. , Altukhova O. B. , Ponomarenko I. V. , Churnosov M. I. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction. The results of a number of studies indicate the comorbidity of endometriosis with various diseases, such as uterine fibroids, endometrial cancer, migraine, depression, infertility, bronchial asthma, and stomach diseases.Aim. Present literature data on the comorbidity of endometriosis and various diseases.Materials and methods. A review of the literature for 2021–2023 in the databases PubMed (National Library of Medicine), Cochrane Library, CyberLeninka, Medline, as well as in scientific citation databases (Scopus, Web of Science).Results and discussion. This paper analyzes data on the comorbidity of endometriosis and various diseases such as uterine myoma, endometrial cancer, migraine, depression, infertility, bronchial asthma, and gastric diseases. It was found that the comorbidity of endometriosis and the described diseases is based on common risk factors (early age of menarche, late menopause, absence of childbirth in the anamnesis, chronic inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, smoking, chronic stress, exposure to phthalate esters), molecular pathogenetic mechanisms (changes in gene expression, sex hormone levels, aberrant immune response, subclinical inflammatory response, hyperestrogenism, characteristic of both endometriosis and comorbid diseases), as well as genes involved in the development of these diseases. According to the results of full genomic studies, more than 170 polymorphic loci associated with the development of endometriosis and various comorbid diseases have been identified, and a positive correlation between endometriosis and these diseases has been revealed.Conclusion. These studies dictate the need to take into account in clinical practice the syntropy of endometriosis with other diseases, which, in turn, requires a multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with endometriosis.
Factorial experiment to identify two-way interactions between temperature, harvesting period, hydraulic retention time, and light intensity that influence the biomass productivity and phosphorus removal efficiency of a microalgae–bacteria biofilm
Authors: Watkins Jacob Dean , Lords Clayton Jack , Bradley Abiela Meek , Cutler David Richard , Sims Ronald Charles 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Rotating algae biofilm reactors (RABRs) can reduce energy requirements for wastewater reclamation but require further optimization for implementation at water resource recovery facilities (WRRF). Optimizing RABR operation is challenging because conditions at WRRF change frequently, and disregarding interaction terms related to these changes can produce incorrect conclusions about RABR behavior. This study evaluated the two-way interaction and main effects of four factors on the biomass productivity and phosphorus removal efficiency of a microalgae-bacteria biofilm grown in municipal anaerobic digester centrate, with factor levels and operating conditions selected to mimic a pilot RABR at a WRRF in Utah. Two-way interactions harvesting period*light intensity (LI), harvesting period*temperature, and LI*hydraulic retention time (HRT) had significant effects on biomass productivity: at high temperature and low LI, highest biomass productivity was achieved with a 14-day harvesting period, but at medium temperature and high LI, highest biomass productivity was achieved with a 7-day harvesting period. At high HRT, highest biomass productivity occurred at low LI, but at low HRT, highest biomass productivity occurred at high LI. Phosphorus removal was strongly influenced by LI and occurred most rapidly during the first 2 days HRT, which suggests precipitation contributed significantly to phosphorus removal. These observations provide insight for further RABR optimization.
Involving End Users in the Development and Usability Testing of a Smartphone App Designed for Individuals With Prediabetes: Mixed-Methods Focus Group Study
Authors: Grieve Natalie , Braaten Kyra , MacPherson Megan , Liu Sam , Jung Mary E 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Technology is more likely to be used when it is designed to meet the needs of end users. To supplement the Small Steps for Big Changes diabetes prevention program, a smartphone app was developed in partnership with past Small Steps for Big Changes clientele. Usability testing is critical for the ongoing use and adoption of mobile health apps by providing insight on where appropriate adjustments and improvements need to be made to ensure user satisfaction.

Objective
A focus group with 7 participants was conducted to examine the app’s usability and collect feedback for future iterations.

Methods
Past Small Steps for Big Changes clientele participated in a cognitive walkthrough of 8 novel tasks and completed the System Usability Scale survey. Participants were then given the option to use the app for 3 weeks before completing the User-Mobile Application Rating Scale.

Results
Analysis of the cognitive walkthrough identified 26 usability problems; each was coded using a heuristic evaluation to describe usability errors. The most frequently coded errors included inappropriate progress feedback, information appearing in an illogical order, counterintuitive design, and issues with app aesthetics. A mean summary score of 66.8% (SD 18.91) was reported for the System Usability Scale, representing a marginal acceptability score and indicating that design issues needed to be resolved. A User-Mobile Application Rating Scale mean score of 3.59 (SD 0.33) was reported, implying an average acceptability rating.

Conclusions
These findings identified necessary improvements in the app, ranging from minor aesthetic problems to major functionality problems. Involving end users allows the app to be tailored to the client’s preferences and increases the likelihood of usage. This app aligns with Small Steps for Big Changes’ program components and behavior change techniques that can improve health outcomes for future clients and allow them to self-monitor their exercise, diet, and goals.
Effectiveness of minimally invasive methods (laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy and percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy) in the treatment of Plummer’s disease
Authors: Tovkai O.A. , Palamarchuk V.O. , Smolovyk N.V. , Lishchynskyi P.O. , Stotska L.V. , Yatsiv A.R. , Kuts V.V. 
Published: November 2024

Background. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of minimally invasive methods, such as laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) and its combination with percutaneous ethanol ablation (PEA), in treating toxic thyroid adenomas. To determine the multiplicity of the LITT procedure and parameters of laser radiation to achieve a stable positive therapeutic effect. Materials and methods. Between 2020 and 2024, 24 patients with Plummer's disease who did not receive previous thyrostatic therapy before the LITT session were treated and were divided into 2 groups. Patients of the first group with a predominantly parenchymal structure of the node received LITT monotherapy (16 patients), patients of the second group with an existing cystic component received percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy followed by LITT (8 patients). Patients underwent ultrasound and hormonal follow-up after laser ablation at 2, 4, and 6 months. Study endpoints: percent nodal volume reduction compared to pretreatment volume (VRR), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine, free triiodthyronine, TSH-receptor antibodies. Results. All patients had a positive result of treatment. The average nodal volume reduction ratio (VRR) for patients in the first group was 88.3 ± 7.9 % (min — 71.5, max — 95.4), and for patients in the second group — 72 % (min — 59.5, max — 85.4). The percen­tage of patients in whom the euthyroid status was recorded after the first session ranged from 100 % for nodes of smaller volume (up to 4 cm3) to 63 % for nodes of maximum volume (up to 13 cm3). After the completed treatment (the maximum number of LITT sessions — 4), all patients had a stable euthyroid status. The effective specific ener­gy for solid nodules is ≈ 900 J/ml, for mixed cystic-parenchymal nodules the specific energy is lower and ≈ 790 J/ml (for the volume of the nodule after PEA). Complications: one case of bleeding was recorded, and a moderate pain syndrome: 6 points on the Visual Analog scale. Conclusions. Laser thermal ablation of toxic thyroid adenomas under ultrasound guidance offers an additional safe and effective minimally invasive treatment option. Reduction of solid thyroid nodules is effective over time if the specific energy exceeds 900 J/ml (for the primary nodule volume). The reduction of mixed cystic-parenchymal nodules is effective under the condition of the effectiveness of ethanol, the specific energy for such nodules is less than ≈ 790 J/ml (for the volume of the nodule after PEA). The total energy for the course of treatment should not be less than the calculated (Е∑ ≈ Espec × Vnode). Clinical outcomes are significantly more favorable in small toxic adenomas than in large nodes
THE ROLE OF ENGLISH IN SPREADING ISLAM RAHMATAN LIL ‘ALAMIN VALUES: MILLENNIALS’ VOICES
Authors: Setyaningrum Anisah , Rochanah Rochanah 
Published: November 2024

The rapid development of Islam in the world cannot be separated from the role of the international language. Islam, a Rahmatan lil 'Alamin religion, has a negative stigma in the international world. Millennials are young people who are very attached to information technology. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the voice of millennials more deeply toward the role of English in the spread of Islam Rahmatan lil 'Alamin values full of affection and peace. This study is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. The data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews. The results showed that millennials' voices toward the role of language are: ease of communication, medium of communication, and ease the information access. Then, millennials' voices toward the role of English in the spread of Islam Rahmatan lil 'Alamin values are: ease the convey Islam Rahmatan lil 'Alamin values through various fields, expand the reach of areas and targets in the spread of the values, ease in obtaining information about the spread of the values which can be accessed on the internet, supports efforts to straighten out the negative stigma directed at Islam and ease capturing messages about the values from various sources. The research implications suggest that leveraging English as a medium can significantly enhance the dissemination of Islam's values of compassion and peace among global audiences, particularly through digital platforms, thereby fostering greater understanding and reducing negative stereotypes associated with Islam.
FORMULASI SEDIAAN BODY SCRUB KOMBINASI EKSTRAK KULIT JERUK BALI (Citrus maxima Merr.) DENGAN CANGKANG TELUR AYAM SEBAGAI AGEN EKSFOLIASI
Authors: Aisy Syifa Rihadatul , Alfiraza Ery Nourika , Listina Osie 
Published: November 2024

Body scrub adalah salah satu produk kosmetik dengan bahan agak kasar yang digunakan untuk merawat, membersihkan kotoran kulit, dan mengangkat sel kulit mati. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik uji stabilitas fisik body scrub kombinasi ekstrak kulit jeruk bali (Citrus maxima Merr.) dengan cangkang telur ayam serta mengetahui sediaan tersebut tidak mengiritasi kulit. Body scrub dibuat empat formulasi yang meliputi F0 (tanpa ekstrak), FI (ekstrak 15%), FII (ekstrak 12,5%) dan FIII (ekstrak 10%). Hasil dari penelitian uji fisik menunjukan bahwa uji organoleptis, uji pH, uji homogenitas, uji daya sebar dan uji daya lekat memenuhi syarat, sedangkan pada uji tipe emulsi F0 menunjukan A/M (air dalam minyak) dan pada FI, FII dan FIII menunjukan M/A (minyak dalam air). Kemudian hasil dari uji stabilitas menggunakan metode cycling test F0, FI, FII dan FIII tidak menunjukan adanya pemisahan antara fase minyak dan fase air serta pH stabil selama 6 siklus. Setelah dilakukan uji iritasi hasil dari F0, FI, FII dan FIII tidak menimbulkan iritasi sehingga sediaan aman digunakan pada kulit manusia. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis dengan menggunakan One Way Anova pada program SPSS 29.