bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics of PD patients carrying LRRK2 R1628P variant
Authors: Deng Xiao , Kuruvilla Joshua , Ng Ebonne Yu-Lin , Lo Yew-long , Xu Zheyu , Tay Kay-Yaw , Au Wing-Lok , Tan Louis CS , Tan Eng-King , Xiao Bin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) presents devastating challenges for the aging society. Variations in the LRRK2 gene, including R1628Pin Asian populations have been linked to PD risk yet remain under-explored in clinical presentations. We assessed clinical manifestations in R1628P carriers versus non-carriers in an Asian PD cohort. Our study found that LRRK2 R1628Pcarriers had significantly lower Non-Motor Symptom Scale (NMSS) Total score (10 vs 15 p=0.01) than non-carriers. Specifically, NMSS domain 2 score (sleep/fatigue) was lower in carriers compared to non-carriers (0 vs 1, p=0.02), with no significant differences in other NMSS domains. This study underscores the importance of analysing specific LRRK2 variants, to characterise accurately the influence of unique genetic variation of PD relevant gene and identify potential therapeutic target.
Utilization and Characterization of Cassava Starch as a Natural Thickening Agent for Reactive Dye Printing on Cotton Fabric
Authors: Gelaw Belete Baye , Dodi Addis , Berihun Bedlu Endale , Hordofa Dereje Eyi , Awoke Anteneh Tilahun 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the use of cassava root starch as a natural thickening agent for reactive dye printing on cotton fabrics, comparing its effectiveness with sodium alginate. Cassava starch was extracted and applied in various concentrations (1 g to 11 g) to examine its impact on fabric properties such as tensile strength, elongation, bending length, wash and crocking fastness, and crease recovery. The findings showed that cassava starch, particularly at concentrations between 4 g and 6 g, provided optimal tensile strength (up to 373 N in the warp direction) and acceptable elongation while maintaining good wash and crocking fastness. Although cassava starch performed comparably to sodium alginate in fastness tests, its crease recovery was slightly lower, indicating increased fabric stiffness at higher concentrations. The bending length, a measure of fabric stiffness, increased with thickener concentration, with higher levels making the fabric less flexible. The study concluded that cassava starch is a viable, sustainable alternative to synthetic thickeners for textile printing, especially when applied in moderate concentrations that balance strength, flexibility, and print quality. However, higher concentrations of cassava starch led to reduced tensile strength and increased fabric stiffness, which may limit its application in areas requiring high flexibility. Future research should explore methods to further improve the durability and clarity of cassava-starch-printed fabrics.
Methods to observe tribological failures in self-mated steel contacts
Authors: Koly Farida Ahmed , Bhattacharjee Arnab , Murthy Nikhil , Gould Ben , Ajayi Oyelayo , Walck Scott , Martin Cinta Lorenzo , Berkebile Stephen , Burris David L. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Scuffing, a type of wear found in highly stressed or poorly lubricated contacts, is characterized by a rapid increase in friction and severe plastic deformation of the near-surface material. Scuffing has proven difficult to study because it initiates unpredictably, progresses rapidly, and typically develops within an inaccessible contact interface. Although there have been successful in-situ studies of scuffing in real-time, the transparent counter body needed for these studies changes the interactions between the surfaces and the lubricant, which affects the scuffing process in unknown ways. This paper describes the development of X-ray-compatible tribometry to study the scuffing of self-mated steels in-situ and in real-time. The method uses a crossed-cylinders configuration with a thin (500 µm thick) stationary component and a small (≈ 200 µm) contact width to maximize X-ray interactions with atoms within the stress field generated by the contact. The resulting instrument and method are used to benchmark the scuffing response of self-mated 52100 steel under tribologically challenging ‘oil-off’ lubrication conditions. The results demonstrate reliable scuffing in this configuration despite the relatively small contact areas and loads used. Following scuffing, gross plastic deformation was observed on both surfaces along with significant subsurface grain refinement and flow only on the stationary surface, which experienced constant contact. Interestingly, high friction initiated at specific locations of the migratory surface, which experienced intermittent contact, and then propagated across the track over time, suggesting that local conditions of the migratory surface dominated friction leading into the failure event.
Infrared and Visible Image Alignment Method Based on Gradient Distribution Properties and Scale Invariant Features in Electric Power Scenes
Authors: Zhu Lin , Mao Yuxing , Chen Chunxu , Ning Lanjia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In the grid intelligent inspection system, automatic registration of infrared and visible light images in power scenes is a crucial research technology. Since there are obvious differences in key attributes between visible and infrared images, direct alignment is often difficult to achieve the expected results. To overcome the high difficulty of aligning infrared and visible light images, an image alignment method is proposed in this paper. First, we use the Sobel operator to extract the edge information of the image pair. Second, the feature points in the edges are recognized by a curvature scale space (CSS)corner detector. Third, the Histogram of Orientation Gradients (HOG) is extracted as the gradient distribution characteristics of the feature points, which are normalized with the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) algorithm to form feature descriptors. Finally, initial matching and accurate matching are achieved by the improved fast approximate nearest neighbor matching method and adaptive thresholding, respectively. Experiments show that this method can robustly match the feature points of image pairs under rotation, scale, and viewpoint differences, and achieves excellent matching results.
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Patients Hospitalized in the Burn Intensive Care Unit of a City Hospital in Turkey: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yılmaz Makbule , Şahin Fatma , Ata Ayşenur , Kuğuoğlu Sema , Filinte Gaye , Türk Gülay , Al Nevin , Çoban Niran 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background Burn epidemiological research has global importance in terms of evaluating the effectiveness of existing burn prevention strategies and therapeutic care. This study aimed to provide guidance on burn prevention by examining the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pediatric burn patients hospitalized in the burn intensive care unit of a city hospital in Turkey.Methods A retrospective study was conducted using electronic medical records of pediatric patients hospitalized in the Burn Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Wound and Burn Treatment Center of a public hospital in Turkey between January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2023.Results The study included 283 pediatric burn patients (129-aged 0–2 years, 44 aged 3–6 years, 34 aged 7–11 years, and 76 aged 12–18 years). Scald burns were more common in children aged 0–2 years (p < 0.001) and electrical burns in children aged 12–18 years (p < 0.001) when compared to the other age groups. The mortality rate was highest in children aged 3–6 years (20.5%) and was higher in cases of flame burns than scald burns (p = 0.015). The mean total body surface area burned (TBSA) was lower in children with electrical burns than in children with flame and scald burns (p < 0.001, p = 0.004). There was a significant positive correlation between TBSA and length of hospital stay (r = 0.319, p < 0.001).Conclusions Discussion: According to the results of this study, pediatric burns treated in the intensive care unit represented the highest age group of 0–2 years old. Mortality rates were found to be highest in children aged 3–6 years old.
Early life RSV infection as a preventable risk factor for asthma
Authors: Lambrecht Bart 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Allergic asthma is increasingly common and strongly influenced by genes and environment1,2. Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) bronchiolitis is a common cause of early life wheezing but it is less clear if and how it is a risk factor for allergy, recurrent wheezing in early childhood, and persistent asthma3,4. Here, we studied the Danish National Patient and Prescription Registries and found that children admitted to hospital for RSV bronchiolitis in the first 6 months of life had a 3-fold higher risk of hospital-diagnosed asthma until the age of 24 years compared with uninfected children. The risk for asthma was highest when either or both of the parents also had an asthma diagnosis, but particularly children born to an asthmatic mother and hospitalized with hRSV had a 5.4-fold increased asthma risk compared to non-infected children born to non-asthmatic parents. To model this, we infected mice in the first week of life with pneumonia virus of mice5, the murine counterpart of human RSV. When exposed to allergen in the perinatal period, infected mice developed more severe asthma features in adulthood, and this effect was strongly enhanced by maternal allergy. Mechanistically, virus infection in the pups induced the expression of activating antibody Fc receptors on dendritic cells. Neonatal dendritic cells used antibodies transferred from allergic dams to recognize allergen, explaining enhanced Th2 polarization in allergen-reactive T cells in offspring of allergic mothers. Given the recent recommendations of maternal RSV vaccination in pregnancy6 or RSV immunoprophylaxis of all newborns using long-acting RSV-neutralizing antibodies7-9, we administered cross-protective neutralizing RSV antibodies to lactating dams, and this abolished the enhancing effects of PVM infection on Th2 priming and asthma risk in the offspring. Combined, these epidemiological and mechanistic data show that early life RSV infection is a preventable risk factor for asthma, influenced by parental asthma history. Since 15% of childhood asthma is attributable to RSV irrespective of severity10, universal immunoprophylaxis in the perinatal period could have profound effects on asthma incidence and healthcare needs.
Complementary feeding practices and added sugar consumption among urban children aged 6-23 months in Kampala, Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mwesigwa Catherine Lutalo , Nabaggala Grace Sanyu , Nakyonyi Maria-Goretti , Ndagire Barbara , Kalanzi Dunstan , Kutesa Annet M. , Naidoo Sudeshni 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The World Health Organization has established key indicators to monitor infant and young child feeding practices globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In urban areas, the nutrition transition from traditional diets has increased the consumption of ultra-processed foods/beverages and added sugar, raising concerns about their impact on children's diets and health. This study aimed to investigate complementary feeding practices, added sugar use, and sources of nutrition information among caregivers of young children in Kampala, Uganda.
Methods
This secondary analysis was conducted in August 2024, using data from a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021 on commercial baby food consumption among 6–36 month olds in Kampala, Uganda. For this analysis, 286 children aged 6–23 months were selected through systematic sampling. Data collection focused on eight WHO complementary and two breastfeeding indicators, sources of nutrition information, and added sugar consumption. Descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression assessed associations to examine the association between socio-demographic factors and dietary indicators.
Results
The study included 286 children aged 6–23 months with a median age of 14 months. Nearly all caregivers reported that the children had ever breastfed since the birth, with 67.1% still breastfeeding at the time of the study. Added sugar consumption was high, with 89.9% of children consuming added sugars. Only 37.1% met the minimum dietary diversity, and 33.9% met the minimum acceptable diet. Higher maternal education and socio-economic status were associated with better dietary diversity and acceptable diet. Family and the internet were the most common sources of nutrition information.
Conclusion
Complementary feeding practices in urban Kampala reveal high breastfeeding rates but significant added sugar consumption and low dietary diversity. There is a need for policies and guidelines emphasising the quality of both commercial and home-prepared foods and addressing the consumption of ultra-processed foods and beverages. Nutritional education should leverage internet access to deliver tailored infant and young child feeding messages effectively. Improving complementary feeding practices can enhance children's nutritional outcomes and overall health in urban Uganda. This study underscores the importance of targeted interventions and policy measures to promote optimal feeding practices and improve the nutritional status of young children.
Human Cell Cytotoxicity, Anti-Microbial Effect and Chromatographic Analyses of Leaf and Fruit Extracts of Olea europaea (Olive) Collected from Different Distances to Yatagan Thermal Power Plant in Mugla, Türkiye
Authors: Gürbüz Esra , Sandallı Aytül , Tetikoğlu Funda Bilgili , Şeker Enes , Kıran Naciye Nisa , Tetikoğlu Sinan , Muratoğlu Hacer , Turumtay Emine Akyüz , Uzuner Selcen Çelik 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Thermal power plants (TPP) are important for meeting today's increasing energy needs. However, TPPs pose risks to the ecosystem and human health. Olea europea (olive) grows widely in the Aegean region and is commonly used in the human diet. The TPP in Yatağan is close to the agricultural and residential areas. However, the effect of closeness to TPP on olives and the cytotoxic effect of olives close to TPPs on human cells is unknown. This study showed 1) phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and fundamental olive contents changed in the fruit and leaf extracts collected far-medium-close to TPP, 2) extracts obtained from olives close to the TPP had cytotoxic effects on healthy human cells, and 3) the highest antimicrobial activity of extracts was found against Staphylococcus aureus regardless of distance to the TPP. The findings suggest that TPPs may affect the nutritional value of olives, and the viability of human cells.
Features of changes in nonspecific factors of immunological reactivity in obesity
Authors: Dushina T. S. , Suplotov S. N. , Klyashev S. M. , Suplotova L. A. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction. The study of pathogenetic factors of obesity is an urgent task of modern medicine. The formation of obesity is characterized by changes in the activity of individual mechanisms of innate immunity. At the same time, the values of laboratory indicators that characterize them are often within the current boundaries of the reference values of laboratory indicators of the immunity of a healthy person. This complicates the pathogenetic assessment of the mechanisms of nonspecific immunological reactivity in obesity and determines the need for further study of the characteristics of nonspecific immune defense factors in this pathology.Aim. To identify the features of changes in cellular and humoral factors of nonspecific immunological reactivity in obesity.Materials and methods. A single-center cross-sectional, one-time controlled study was conducted with the participation of 118 people, of which 87 people were obese patients (BMI 37.2 [34.1; 42.05] kg/m2), 31 people had normal body weight (BMI 21.9 [ 20.2; 23.5] kg/m2) and were included in the control group. All patients underwent a study of lipid profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides), carbohydrate metabolism (glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin), C-reactive protein, indicators of cellular and humoral factors of nonspecific immunity (leukogram, cytokine profile, C3-C4 complement components).Results. An increase in the total number of leukocytes was revealed, due to neutrophil granulocytes against the background of the development of a disproportion between the percentage and absolute value of the number of lymphocytes and monocytes, the concentration of C3 and C4 complement components, C-reactive protein, as well as an increase in the level of IL-6, which confirms the presence of low-grade chronic inflammation in obese patients. Statistically significant correlations of immunological parameters with anthropometric data, indicators of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were revealed.Conclusion. The results of the study indicate that obesity causes activation of certain cellular and humoral mechanisms of nonspecific immune defense involved in the formation of the inflammatory process. Confirmation of the presence of a latent inflammatory process in obesity is an increase in the level of leukocytes and their individual cellular forms, C-reactive protein, C3 and C4 complement components, IL-6. A feature of the changes is the presence of fluctuations in the values of the studied indicators within the current boundaries of the reference values of laboratory indicators, which makes it difficult to timely diagnose chronic inflammation in obesity
Semaglutide for the treatment of obesity: Results of two open randomized pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Noskov S. M. , Arefeva A. N. , Banko V. V. , Radaeva К. S. , Gefen M. L. , Archakova O. A. , Karnakova P. K. , Vetrova E. S. , Karpova P. A. , Komarov T. N. , Shohin I. E. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction. Obesity is a growing public health issue in Russia, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Controlling obesity involves lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy. Semaglutide, an effective obesity treatment, stimulates insulin production and reduces appetite. Developing a generic semaglutide preparation will improve its availability in Russia.Aim. To study the comparative pharmacokinetics, bioequivalence, safety and tolerability of semaglutide products GP40331 and Wegovy using concentrations of 0.68 and 3.2 mg/ml in healthy volunteers under fasting conditions.Materials and methods. Bioequivalence studies, conducted per Good Clinical Practice, were open-label, randomized, and involved healthy male volunteers. Subjects received semaglutide at single doses of 0.25 mg (0.68 mg/ml) and 0.5 mg (3.2 mg/ml) under fasting. Bioequivalence was determined by the 90% CI of the ratios of geometric mean values of the primary pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC0-t, Cmax). Semaglutide concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.Results. The 90% CI values for the ratios of geometric means of the primary PK parameters of semaglutide were 90.22–110.29 and 86.48–108.98% (0.68 mg/ml) and 90.62–115.71 and 92.86–113.51% (3.2 mg/ml). Comparable safety was proven for both concentrations.Conclusion. GP40331 and Wegovy at 0.68 and 3.2 mg/mL are bioequivalent and equally safe.
Vector of glycated hemoglobin in the formation of dysglycemia in postmenopause: Emphasis on early diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Ruyatkina L. A. , Ruyatkin D. S. , Shcherbakova L. V. , Iskhakova I. S. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction. The close relationship of postmenopause with insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) marks a high cardiometabolic risk of dysglycemia, determining the need for its early diagnosis and therapy. Pathogenetically substantiated criteria for the diagnosis of prediabetes and the nature of early drug therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are debated. Information on the relationship between glucose homeostasis parameters and menopausal MetS is fragmentary.Aim. To evaluate the associations of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels with indices of IR, β-cell function and MetS character- istics in a cohort of postmenopausal women with different carbohydrate metabolic states.Materials and methods. In 94 Caucasian postmenopausal women 58.0 (53.0; 63.0) years old the following were determined: HbA1c, fasting glycemia (FG), TyG and HOMA2 indices, C-peptid, BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), triglycerides (TG), HDL-C levels. When classifying women by HbA1c (ADA criteria), 15 had normoglycemia, 24 prediabetes, 55 T2DM. ME (25–75%) was assessed using SPSS (version 17); intergroup differences according to the Mann – Whitney test; Spearman and partial correlation analysis were performed.Results. HbA1c age independently correlated with IR parameters: TyG (R = 0.590; p < 0.001), HOMA2-IR (R = 0.318; p < 0.05) and beta cell function: HOMA2-B (R = -0.355; p < 0.001); with lipid markers of MetS (TG, HDL-C, respectively R = 0.382; -0.448; p < 0.001), anthropometric and blood pressure levels.Conclusion. Associations of HbA1c in postmenopausal women with a spectrum of glucose homeostasis parameters and MetS mark it as a vector of formation and progression of dysglycemia due to a close connection with the functional state of β-cells and the importance of lipoglucotoxicity in the dynamics of postmenopausal IR. The obtained data pathogenetically determine the use of HbA1c in the verification of dysglycemia and the early administration of combined antihyperglycemic therapy aimed at preserving β-cell function. The potential of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in slowing the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus is considered
Comparative study of the neuroprotective potential of semaglutide injectable preparations in experimental ischemic stroke
Authors: Karonova T. L. , Murasheva A. V. , Timkina N. V. , Fuks O. S. , Shlyakhto E. V. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction. Stroke remains one of the major causes of death in type diabetes mellitus (DM). Injectable form of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist semaglutide, Ozempic® decreases the stroke risk. In Russia there appeared a biosimilar Semavic® but its effects on the brain are not yet studied.Aim. To compare neuroprotective properties of Semavic® and Ozempic® while used before ischemic stroke in rats without DM.Materials and methods. The study was conducted in male Wistar rats that were divided into the following groups: “Control” (n = 10) – 0.9% NaCl, “MET” (n = 9) – metformin 200 mg/kg once daily per os, “Ozempic” (n = 10) – Ozempic® 0.012 mg/kg s.c. once daily, “Semavic” (n = 9) – Semavic® 0.012 mg/kg s.c. once daily. After 7 days ischemic stroke was modelled, after 48 hour of reperfusion neurological deficit and brain damage volume were evaluated. Glycemia was measured on the 3rd, 7th days as well as during and after ischemia.Results. None of the study drugs caused hypoglycemia including in poststroke period. Neurological deficit in “MET” group did not differ from that in the “Control” (11.00 [6.50; 12.50] and 10.0 [6.25; 12.00] scores). Both semaglutide drugs caused comparable improvement in neurological status (14.00 [12.00; 18.00] and 14.00 [11.00; 18.00] scores in “Ozempic” and “Semavic” groups). Brain necrosis volume in “Control” group was 16.60 [13.40; 28.58] %. All the study drugs had infarct-limiting effect but brain damage volume in “Ozempic” (6.00 [4.32; 8.44] %) and “Semavic” (7.69 [2.99; 11.33] %) was smaller than in “MET” group (13.07 [8.67; 29.94] %). There were no differences between semaglutide drugs.Conclusions. Biosimilar Semavic® and original Ozempic® demonstrate comparable neuroprotective effect while used in animals without DM prior to ischemic stroke modelling. This protective effect is not due to the drugs’ influence on glycemic profile.