bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing iron and zinc bioavailability in maize (Zea mays) through phytate reduction: the impact of fermentation alone and in combination with soaking and germination
Authors: Nsabimana Samuel , Ismail Tariq , Lazarte Claudia E. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionPhytates are nutrient-binding compounds found mainly in cereals and legumes, which may significantly contribute to micronutrient malnutrition in regions where phytate-rich cereals, such as maize, are staple food.ObjectivesThis study investigated how maize fermentation, both alone and in combination with soaking and germination, can reduce phytate levels and enhance the estimated bioavailability of iron and zinc.MethodsWe evaluated various fermentation methods, including spontaneous fermentation; fermentation with starter cultures, either Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v® (Lp299) or yogurt containing viable Lacticaseibacillus casei; and fermentation with Lp299 of soaked and germinated maize. The outcome variables included changes in pH and lactic acid content during fermentation, and measurements of phytate levels (spectrophotometry), minerals (Atomic absorption) and protein (protein analyzer) in maize samples before and after treatments.ResultsFermentation with Lp299 of soaked and germinated maize grains yielded a phytate reduction of up to 85.6% decreasing from 9.58 ± 0.05 g·kg−1 in raw maize to 1.39 ± 0.09 g·kg−1 after processing. Fermentation of raw maize flour using Lp299 or yogurt resulted in a similar phytate reduction of 65.3% (3.35 ± 0.26 g·kg−1) and 68.7% (3.02 ± 0.01 g·kg−1) respectively. Spontaneous fermentation yielded a phytate reduction of 51.8% (4.65 ± 0.40 g·kg−1). This reduction in phytate content enhanced the estimated bioavailability of iron and zinc, particularly in the soaking-germination-fermentation combination, where the Phytate:Zinc molar ratio (Phy:Zn) dropped from 40.76 to 7.77, representing 81% reduction from the raw maize. The Phytate:Iron molar ratio (Phy:Fe) dropped from 41.42 to 6.24 indicating an 85% reduction. Additionally, fermentation led to a significant increase (p = 0.001) in protein content in maize flour after fermentation, ranging from 7.3 to 10.3% after the various fermentation treatments. There was not significant difference in the protein increase when compared the fermentation types.ConclusionLactic acid fermentation of soaked and germinated maize grains, emerged as the most promising process to enhance the bioavailability of essential minerals. This approach could help alleviate mineral deficiencies in populations dependent on maize-based diets. The findings underscore the potential of fermentation to be applied at the household level, which may bring up an alternative for programs and policies focused on reducing micronutrient deficiencies and improving food security in developing regions.
Association between serum uric acid and all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Gan Wenyuan , Zhu Fan , Fang Xun , Wang Wenzhe , Shao Danni , Mao Huihui , Xiao Wei , Chen Wenli , Xu Fang , Zeng Xingruo 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe association between serum uric acid (UA) and all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients is conflicting. We investigated this association and explored the effect modification of underlying nutritional status, as reflected in the lean tissue index (LTI) and the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), which serve as markers of muscle mass and nutritional risk in HD patients.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2023. We investigated the association between serum UA and the outcomes using the Cox proportional hazards regression and restricted cubic splines. Subgroup analyses based on the LTI and GNRI were conducted to explore possible effect modification.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 32.9 months, 876 patients who underwent HD were included in the analysis. The association between serum UA and all-cause mortality showed a non-linear U-shaped pattern (p = 0.007), with a survival benefit observed for the patients with serum UA levels between 3.4 and 6.8 mg/dL. In the multivariable-adjusted model, the low and high UA groups were associated with a greater risk of all-cause mortality compared to the reference UA group (hazard ratio (HR) =1.24, confidence interval (CI) 1.03–2.12, p = 0.027; HR = 1.09; CI 1.05–2.08. p = 0.012). In the low UA group, a greater risk of mortality was observed in patients with low LTI (&lt;12.3; HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.22–1.82) and GNRI values (&lt;102.1; HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.12–1.76), but not in those with high LTI and GNRI values. There was no significant association between serum UA and cardiovascular disease-related mortality.ConclusionOur study showed that lower and higher serum UA levels increase the risk of all-cause mortality in HD patients. Among the patients with lower UA levels, low LTI and GNRI values showed a greater risk of mortality. This finding suggested that better nutritional status, rather than elevated UA levels, is likely to improve long-term survival in HD patients.
Kawasaki disease involving both the nervous system and cardiovascular system: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yin Wen , Wu Yali , Wang Shasha , Tang Hongxia , Ding Yan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundKawasaki disease (KD), an acute self-limiting vasculitis, is the main cause of acquired heart disease. Timely diagnosis and treatment can mitigate the occurrence of complications and improve patient prognosis. Facial nerve paralysis (FNP) and ptosis are rare complications of KD and are rarely reported, but FNP is considered a high risk factor for coronary aneurysms. If giant coronary artery aneurysms are formed, clinicians should be vigilant when diagnosing the formation of systemic artery aneurysms (SAAs).Patient presentationA 10-month-old girl with fever, diffuse rash, and conjunctival congestion was hospitalized locally, diagnosed with KD, and treated with intravenous infusion of gamma globulin (IVIG). She had fever again after 1 week of temperature stability, accompanied by conjunctival congestion, and was treated with a second dose of IVIG, but she still experienced recurrent fever. The day prior to admission, she developed facial asymmetry, left FNP, diffuse erythema and membranous peeling of the fingers of both hands. The patient's body temperature normalized after treatment with 20 mg/kg methylprednisolone, but cardiac ultrasound revealed progressive enlargement of the coronary artery aneurysms. On day 37of the illness, transient eyelid ptosis developed; fortunately, the left FNP and eyelid ptosis finally resolved, leaving no sequelae. Two years and eight months after onset, the patient developed bilateral humeral aneurysm.ConclusionThis is the first KD patient involving two neurological complications combined with giant coronary artery aneurysms and SAAs. KD needs to be considered in infants with unexplained recurrent fever who present with FNP or ptosis. FNP secondary to KD is a high risk factor for coronary artery aneurysms, so it is necessary to perform cardiac ultrasound for accurate diagnosis. KDs combined with giant coronary aneurysms require careful physical examination and noninvasive angiography during follow-up to detect SAA formation.
Cardiovascular toxicity risk assessment of tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a pharmacovigilance study using the VigiBase database
Authors: Igawa Yusuke , Hamano Hirofumi , Esumi Satoru , Takeda Tatsuaki , Kajizono Makoto , Kikuoka Ryo , Kimura Ikuya , Zamami Yoshito 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAdvances in the early detection and treatment of cancer have significantly improved the prognosis of patients with cancer. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective targeted treatments for various malignancies that act by inhibiting kinase activity. Although these drugs share a common mechanism of action, they differ in their targeted kinases, pharmacokinetics, and side effects. TKIs can cause cardiovascular side effects, which adversely affect the prognosis of cancer survivors. This study aimed to assess the risk of cardiac toxicity associated with TKIs using the World Health Organization Global Database, VigiBase.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from VigiBase, a comprehensive global database of suspected drug reactions. The dataset included reports up to December 2022. We identified patients treated with Food and Drug Administration-approved TKIs and analyzed their age and sex data. The primary outcome was cardiovascular impairment, defined by 21 preferred terms in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities Terminology version 25.1. Disproportionality analysis using the reported odds ratio was performed to detect adverse cardiovascular signals. Statistical analyses were conducted using R 3.3.2, with a P-value &lt;0.05 considered significant.ResultsOf the 32, 520, 983 reports in VigiBase, 23, 181, 539 were eligible for the analysis. Significant cardiovascular signals were identified for 17 TKIs, including erlotinib, gefitinib, and imatinib. Stratified analyses revealed potential sex- and age-related differences in the risk of adverse events. Heatmaps indicated significant signals for drugs such as lapatinib in males and gefitinib in younger patients.DiscussionOur findings indicate that some TKIs, particularly those classified as VEGFR, BCR-ABL, and BTK, pose similar risks of cardiotoxicity, while others, including EGFR, HER2, and ALK TKIs, exhibit varied risk profiles. These results underscore the importance of individualized risk assessment and management of TKI-treated patients. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the cardiotoxic risk of TKIs, which is essential for developing tailored treatment plans.
The role of exercise in restoring executive function: a comparison of tobacco-exposed college athletes and sedentary students
Authors: Wang Minjia , Wu Shuya , Ma Qian , Hu Hao , Liu Yanpei , Wang Yaozheng , Zhan Shitao , Liu Dongsen , Girard Olivier 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAs adolescent smoking rates rise, its impact on cognitive function has drawn greater attention. This study explores whether exercise can mitigate the negative effects of smoking on executive function in male college students.MethodsSixty male college students were divided into four groups (n = 15 each): sedentary smokers, sedentary nonsmokers, athletic smokers, and athletic nonsmokers. All participants completed the Eriksen flanker task, with prefrontal cortex activation measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. After the baseline test, all sedentary students engaged in 33 min of high-intensity interval training, followed by the same procedures as in the pre-test.ResultsIn the flanker task, college athletes exhibited superior executive function compared to sedentary students, with higher accuracy (p = 0.042), faster reaction times (p = 0.002), and more pronounced brain activation (p = 0.048). Post-exercise, reaction times improved significantly in sedentary groups (p &lt; 0.05). Smoking impaired executive function both before and after exercise, with smokers showing lower accuracy (p &lt; 0.001), slower reaction times (p &lt; 0.001), and diminished brain activation (p &lt; 0.001) compared to nonsmokers.DiscussionEngaging in acute aerobic exercise may improve executive function in sedentary smokers. Exercise may help mitigate smoking-related declines in executive function among college students.
Analysis of the health effects of multiple social networks on the older adult: the substitution role of labor participation
Authors: Li Zhiying 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesThis study aims to examine the role of social networks in influencing the physical and mental health of older Chinese adults, investigating both the underlying mechanisms and the associations between social networks, labor force participation, and health outcomes.MethodsUsing data from the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS), we analyzed a sample of 1,332 older adults, incorporating demographic and health-related variables. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and mediation analysis were conducted to evaluate the effects of social networks on health outcomes, with subgroup analyses by gender and education level. Stata 18.0 and SPSS were employed to perform all statistical analyses.ResultsSocial networks demonstrate a significant positive effect on overall, physical, and mental health at the 1% level, with weak-tie networks exhibiting a more substantial impact on health (β = 0.1146, p &lt; 0.01). In promoting physical health, social networks have a coefficient of 0.1371 (p &lt; 0.001) for females and 0.2128 (p &lt; 0.001) for males. Among individuals with lower education, the coefficient is 0.1561 (p &lt; 0.001), while for those with higher education, it is 0.2184 (p &lt; 0.001). Regarding mental health, social networks yield a coefficient of 0.0747 (p &gt; 0.05) for females and 0.1095 (p &lt; 0.01) for males; for individuals with lower education, the coefficient is 0.0914 (p &lt; 0.01), and for those with higher education, it is 0.0441 (p &gt; 0.05). Media use, subjective wellbeing, and perceived social class are key explanatory mechanisms in the relationship between social networks and health of the older adult. Notably, subjective wellbeing and perceived social class function as chain mediators between social networks and health outcomes. The interaction between social networks and labor participation reveals a significant negative coefficient (β = −0.1864, p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionSocial networks contribute to improved health in older adults, with weak ties playing a particularly significant role, although the effect varies across subgroups. Media use, subjective social class, and wellbeing are important mechanisms linking social networks with older adult health, while labor force participation may serve as a substitute for social networks in health promotion among older adults. This study will inform the improvement of older adults health and the development of labor policies for older adults.
Rare cell-based liquid biopsy for improved measurement of low-grade chronic inflammation
Authors: Schreier Stefan , Budchart Prapaphan , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Lertsithichai Panuwat , Triampo Wannapong 
Published: December 2024

Objectives and designLow-grade inflammation is a hallmark of chronic diseases. More sensitive tools for chronic low-grade inflammation detection are needed and herein presented as a proof of concept. Heightened sensitivity to inflammation may be achieved by analyzing the compensation mechanisms of hematopoiesis in response to stress. The production of red blood cells and platelets, which are particularly vulnerable to physiological imbalances, are especially important in this context due to their high turnover rates. The compensatory mechanisms involve the production or release of rare immature blood cell types that herein serve as important biomarker targets.MethodsA cell-based liquid biopsy platform, using negative selection, was used to detect circulating rare cells in comprehension, allowing simultaneous analysis of an immature cell panel from one sample. The concentration ranges under physiological conditions for each cell marker were evaluated on a self-reported healthy control cohort and prospectively tested on three individuals undergoing various interventions: one afflicted with early-stage breast cancer, another with atherosclerosis in follow-up, and a third healthy individual with cardiovascular disease risk.ResultsThe approach effectively identified rare cellular abnormalities in asymptomatic individuals who exhibited no abnormalities in their complete blood counts. This condition was designated as silent inflammation (SI). SI was effective in monitoring response to intervention and predicting inflammation state.ConclusionsThe detection of SI proved valuable in aiding inflammation differential diagnosis and for monitoring the response to interventions in all three subjects.
Testosterone/cortisol ratio: gender effect and prediction of podium results in beach sprint master rowers
Authors: Ficarra Giovanni , Rottura Michelangelo , Mannucci Carmen , Caccamo Daniela , Bitto Alessandra , Trimarchi Fabio , Di Mauro Debora 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to address the lack of data on the stress and motivation response in master athletes during competitions, as athletic performance in this age group can be significantly impacted by stress rather than appropriate training.MethodsCoastal rowing beach sprint master athletes aged 43–57 years were examined to assess the saliva levels of stress biomarkers, cortisol, and testosterone. Specifically, samples were collected at awakening and before and after the boat race.ResultsMean values of cortisol remained unchanged from awakening and raised at the end of the competition, while testosterone levels increased before the race, suggesting an aggressive/competitive behavior. Cortisol levels were significantly higher when comparing pre-race levels with post-race (p = 0.001) levels and early morning with post-race (p = 0.006) levels. No gender effect was observed in this case. Testosterone values did not demonstrate significance when compared between time points, not even when stratifying by gender. Considering the 24 athletes, a higher testosterone/cortisol ratio was correlated with a worse podium position (B = 3.705; p = 0.009). When stratified by gender, the testosterone/cortisol ratio demonstrated an association with a worse outcome of the race only in female rowers (B = 4.012; p = 0.022). Male athletes demonstrated no significant correlation between hormone ratio and race results (B = 3.288; p = 0.292).ConclusionIt emerged from this study that the amateur rowers who approach competitive sport during adulthood may have problems in coping with the race-related stress and thus the outcome of their performance might be affected, as in adolescents.
Intensifying homestead climate-smart agriculture and the challenges to its wider adoption in Azuari watershed, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Debie Ermias 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices (CSAPs) at the plot level is a promising yet underutilized strategy in Ethiopia, where subsistence farming predominates. This study investigates the factors influencing the intensity of CSAPs on homesteads and identifies key barriers to their broader adoption.MethodsQuantitative data were collected through household surveys. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis was employed to examine the relationship between the independent variables and farmers' decisions to intensify CSAPs.ResultsThe findings reveal that slope gradient, extension contacts, farming experience, dependency ratio-induced labor, and livestock diversity significantly impact farmers' decisions to enhance CSAPs. Major barriers include insecure land tenure, poor management of open grazing, labor-intensive practices, and limited access to agricultural inputs.DiscussionTo promote the widespread implementation of CSAPs, it is imperative that these variables are prioritized in agricultural extension policies. Addressing these barriers is essential for enhancing the adoption of CSAPs, which will significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Ethiopia.
Microencapsulation of Bacillus megaterium in Humic Acid-Supplied Alginate Beads Enhances Tomato Growth and Suppresses the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne javanica Under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Mousa El-Shawadfy M. , Elbagory Mohssen , Mahdy Magdy E. , Abo-Koura Hanaa A. , Omara Alaa El-Dein 
Published: December 2024

In recent years, interest in using encapsulated plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a biocontrol agent against root-knot nematodes has increased. Root-knot nematodes are soil-borne parasites that mostly cause annual commercial losses globally by infecting tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). In this work, tomato plants (cv. GS) were grown in a greenhouse to test the effectiveness of encapsulated Bacillus megaterium with or without humic acid or in liquid form at different inoculum levels against Meloidogyne javanica and their impact on different growth parameters. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to visualize the microencapsulation of B. megaterium as well as viability and protease production In vitro. In a greenhouse experiment, humic acid-encapsulated B. megaterium resulted in a significant decrease in nematode parameters compared to the control group. When compared to other inoculants, the use of 10 capsules/plant decreased nematode infestation and enhanced plant growth parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and photosynthetic pigments. These results are reflected in increased dehydrogenase activity, total bacterial count, and acidic and alkaline phosphatase in soil 30 and 60 days after transplanting. Therefore, to increase the development dynamics of tomato plants and reduce nematode infestation, we advise using B. megaterium capsules supplemented with humic acid.
Structure of Genes Encoding Oxidosqualene Cyclases—Key Enzymes of Triterpenoid Biosynthesis from Sea Cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix
Authors: Baldaev Sergey N. , Chausova Viktoria E. , Isaeva Ksenia V. , Boyko Alexey V. , Stonik Valentin A. , Isaeva Marina P. 
Published: December 2024

Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) are enzymes responsible for converting linear triterpenes into tetracyclic ones, which are known as precursors of other important and bioactive metabolites. Two OSCs genes encoding parkeol synthase and lanostadienol synthase have been found in representatives of the genera Apostichopus and Stichopus (family Stichopodidae, order Synallactida). As a limited number of sea cucumber OSCs have been studied thus far, OSCs encoding gene(s) of the sea cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix (family Sclerodactylidae, order Dendrochirotida) were investigated to fill this gap. Here, we employed RACEs, molecular cloning, and Oxford Nanopore Technologies to identify candidate OSC mRNAs and genes. The assembled cDNAs were 2409 bp (OSC1) and 3263 bp (OSC2), which shared the same CDS size of 2163 bp encoding a 721-amino-acid protein. The E. fraudatrix OSC1 and OSC2 had higher sequence identity similarity to each other (77.5%) than to other holothurian OSCs (64.7–71.0%). According to the sequence and molecular docking analyses, OSC1 with L436 is predicted to be parkeol synthase, while OSC2 with Q439 is predicted to be lanostadienol synthase. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, E. fraudatrix OSCs cDNAs clustered with other holothurian OSCs, forming the isolated branch. As a result of gene analysis, the high polymorphism and larger size of the OSC1 gene suggest that this gene may be an ancestor of the OSC2 gene. These results imply that the E. fraudatrix genome contains two OSC genes whose evolutionary pathways are different from those of the OSC genes in Stichopodidae.