bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hippocampal volumes in UK Biobank are associated with APOE only in older adults
Authors: Chaloemtoem Ariya , Thornton Vera , Chang Yoonhoo , Anokhin Andrey P. , Belloy Michaël E. , Bijsterbosch Janine , Gordon Brian A. , Hartz Sarah M. , Bierut Laura J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONThe hippocampus atrophies with age and is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). We examined the interplay between age and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype on total hippocampal volume.METHODSUsing neuroimaging data from 37,463 UK Biobank participants, we applied linear regression to quantify the association of age and APOE with hippocampal volume and identified the age when volumes of ε2/ε3, ε3/ε4, and ε4/ε4 carriers significantly deviated from ε3/ε3 using generalized additive modeling.RESULTSTotal hippocampal volume declined with age, with significant differences by APOE genotype emerging after age 60. ε3/ε4 and ε4/ε4 carriers displayed reduced volumes from ages 69 and 61, respectively, while ε2/ε3 showed delayed decline starting at the age of 76.DISCUSSIONThe association of APOE and hippocampal volume is age‐dependent, with differences in volumes of ε4/ε4 carriers detected as early as age 61. This work underscores the importance of APOE genotype in determining when to begin screening for AD.Highlights
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype shows an age‐dependent association with total hippocampal volume.
No association between APOE and total hippocampal volume was detected before age 60.
Accelerated decline was observed in ε4/ε4 carriers at age 61 and ε3/ε4 at age 69.
Delayed decline was evident in ε2/ε3 carriers starting at age 76.
Longitudinal changes in functional capacity in frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Foxe David , Irish Muireann , Cheung Sau Chi , D'Mello Mirelle , Hwang Yun Tae , Muggleton James , Cordato Nicholas J. , Piguet Olivier 
Published: November 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONThis study investigated the changes in functional capacity with disease progression in a well‐characterised cohort of patients diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) presentations.METHODSWe recruited 126 behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD), 40 progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA), 64 semantic dementia (SD), 45 logopenic progressive aphasia (LPA), and 115 AD patients. Functional capacity was measured annually over ∼7 years using the Disability Assessment for Dementia.RESULTSLinear mixed effects models revealed the bvFTD group demonstrated disproportionate functional impairment at baseline and over the study period. Functional capacity among the other syndromes showed a more uniform pattern of decline, with less severe functional impairment at baseline and ∼7%–10% mean annual decline. Baseline correlations indicated different mechanisms supporting basic and complex functional proficiency among the groups.DISCUSSIONOur findings demonstrate distinct functional profiles across dementia syndromes with disease progression. Identifying progression milestones across syndromes will improve clinical management.Highlights
bvFTD shows severe functional impairment at baseline and over time.
PNFA, SD, LPA, AD: less severe baseline functional impairment; more uniform decline.
General cognition is related to IADLs, but not BADLs, in all groups.
Behavioural disturbances relate to IADLs and BADLs in bvFTD and SD.
Behavioural‐ADL relations are more mixed in PNFA, LPA, and AD.
Examining Dimensionality and Item‐Quality of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire in Individuals With Eating Disorders Using Item Response Theory Analysis
Authors: Dufour Rachel , Steiger Howard , Booij Linda 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) is a widely‐used measure of eating‐disorder symptoms. However, inconsistent replication of the subscale structure raises concern about validity. To provide a rigorous test of the EDE‐Q's dimensionality and item‐quality, we applied modern and classical test theory approaches to data obtained from a large, transdiagnostic sample of people with clinical eating disorders.MethodWe analyzed data from 1197 individuals (Mage = 27.9 years, SD = 10.08, 95% female) with various eating disorders, who had been assessed for treatment at a specialized program. Exploratory analyses (including Parallel Analyses), Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) and graded‐response Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses, were conducted with Mplus.ResultsFactor analyses showed inappropriate fit to the original EDE‐Q subscales, as well as for alternative 1,2,3, and 4‐factor solutions. Parallel analyses suggested a one‐dimensional structure as best fit. IRT analyses showed substantial variability in EDE‐Q‐item quality and indicated that five items (fear of weight gain, feeling fat, desire to lose weight, importance of weight, importance of shape) were most pertinent to determining severity. The construct validity of the five EDE‐Q items was confirmed by a CFA, showing excellent fit.DiscussionOur results suggest that EDE‐Q scores are best interpreted as spanning a one‐factor continuum. IRT results suggest that some items are more pertinent than others for determining eating‐disorder severity. Results could be useful for establishing short EDE‐Q versions, such as a five‐item version, which, in turn, would be helpful for measurement‐based clinical practice and for data‐collection in epidemiological and experimental studies.
Plasma Glycated CD59 and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Asadi Zahra , Safari‐Faramani Roya , Aghaz Faranak , Vaisi‐Raygani Asad , Jalilian Saba 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAimsGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy worldwide. The standard method for screening GDM is the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). However, the OGTT is difficult, time‐consuming and requires fasting, making it an inconvenient test for GDM. Researchers have turned their attention to alternative biomarkers for GDM. This study aimed to systematically investigate the potential of plasma glycated CD59 (pGCD59) as a new biomarker for GDM and its associated adverse pregnancy outcomes.MethodsThe systematic review was performed in the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases from 1/1/2000 to 4/1/2024, and relevant studies were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale.ResultsThe study revealed that pGCD59 levels before 20 weeks and during the second trimester of pregnancy have the potential to predict the results of the OGTT and also forecast adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as postpartum glucose intolerance (PP GI), neonatal hypoglycaemia (NH) and having large for gestational age (LGA) infants. The predictive ability of pGCD59 was found to be affected by the GDM status, especially body mass index (BMI).ConclusionsIn conclusion, pGCD59 may be a promising indicator of glucose levels and could serve as a new biomarker for GDM. However, additional studies are needed to establish a reliable reference range and cut‐off value for pGCD59.
Forecasting heart failure: Seasonal alignment of heart failure outcomes in New York
Authors: Gupta Prerna , Brinza Ellen , Khazanie Prateeti , Peterson Pamela N. , Ho P Michael , Kao David P. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundSeasonal variations have been observed in heart failure (HF) hospitalization. Numerous explanatory mechanisms have been proposed, but no prior studies have examined potential contributors directly. Our objective was to identify specific factors that could contribute to seasonal variability using a large longitudinal dataset of HF hospitalizations.MethodsHospital discharge data were obtained for all hospitals in the state of New York from 1994 to 2007. Records with a primary diagnosis of HF by the International Classification of Diseases‐9 Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) code (428.xx and 425.xx) were included. Year and month of admission were used as predictors to evaluate outcomes of in‐hospital mortality, population‐adjusted daily rate of hospital admissions and length of stay (LOS) using univariable regression including a sinusoidal model to assess the seasonality of HF outcomes. Observations were then adjusted for multiple medical covariables as well as the average local monthly temperature and humidity at each hospital using data from the Global Historical Climate Network to identify potential modifiers of seasonal variability.ResultsAmong 949 907 records, the median age was 76 [inter‐quartile range (IQR) 65–84 years old], and the cohort was 54% female (510 945 records). The population‐adjusted rate of HF admissions per day increased by 1.1 admissions/day/year between 1994 and 2007, whereas in‐hospital mortality and LOS decreased by −0.3%/year and −0.3 days/year, respectively (P < 0.001 for all). Seasonal trends were identified for daily HF admissions (February peak, P < 0.0001), mortality (January peak, P < 0.001) and LOS (January peak, P < 0.01). Cosinor analysis revealed significant periodicity for HF admission rate (amplitude = ±0.9 admissions/day/100 000 people, P < 0.001), in‐hospital mortality (amplitude = ±0.47%, P < 0.001) and LOS (amplitude = ±0.23 days, P < 0.01). No other patient characteristics were significant modifiers of seasonality. Odds of mortality were highest in July rather than January when adjusted for average local temperature but not humidity.ConclusionsAdverse outcomes in patients hospitalized with HF were significantly worse in the winter months even when adjusted for patient characteristics and concurrent acute diagnoses such as pneumonia. Local ambient temperature was the strongest modifier of the observed seasonality. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, additional work to determine the mechanisms of this and other environmental risk factors is urgently needed.
The Microbiome Modifies Manifestations of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Perforin‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Mann Jasmin , Runge Solveig , Schell Christoph , Gräwe Katja , Thoulass Gudrun , Lao Jessica , Ammann Sandra , Grün Sarah , König Christoph , Berger Sarah A. , Hild Benedikt , Aichele Peter , Rosshart Stephan P. , Ehl Stephan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTPrimary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life‐threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome caused by inborn errors of cytotoxicity. Patients with biallelic PRF1 null mutations (encoding perforin) usually develop excessive immune cell activation, hypercytokinemia, and life‐threatening immunopathology in the first 6 months of life, often without an apparent infectious trigger. In contrast, perforin‐deficient (PKO) mice only develop HLH after systemic infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). We hypothesized that restricted microbe–immune cell interactions due to specific pathogen‐free (SPF) housing might explain the need for this specific viral trigger in PKO mice. To investigate the influence of a “wild” microbiome in PKO mice, we fostered PKO newborns with Wildling microbiota (‘PKO‐Wildlings’) and monitored them for signs of HLH. PKO‐Wildlings survived long‐term without spontaneous disease. Also, systemic infection with vaccinia virus did not reach the threshold of immune activation required to trigger HLH in PKO‐Wildlings. Interestingly, after infection with LCMV, PKO‐Wildlings developed an altered HLH pattern. This included lower IFN‐γ serum levels along with improved IFN‐γ‐driven anemia, but more elevated levels of IL‐17 and increased liver inflammation compared with PKO‐SPF mice. Thus, wild microbiota alone is not sufficient to trigger HLH in PKO mice, but host–microbe interactions shape inflammatory cytokine patterns, thereby influencing manifestations of HLH immunopathology.
Neural Crest‐Derived Mesenchymal Cells Support Thymic Reconstitution After Lethal Irradiation
Authors: Tetteh Doris Narki , Isono Kana , Hikosaka‐Kuniishi Mari , Yamazaki Hidetoshi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTReconstitution of the thymus is essential for assessing thymic function following injury. However, the currently employed cytoreductive regimes unvaryingly affect the thymic microenvironment, thereby impeding the recovery of T lymphopoiesis. The thymic stroma is composed of epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Thymic mesenchymal cells originate from the Neural crest (NC) and mesoderm and contribute to thymus organogenesis, yet their role in thymic regeneration is unclear. In this study, using transgenic mice expressing NC‐specific Cre and Cre‐driven DT receptors, we investigated the role of NC‐derived mesenchymal cells in thymic regeneration following total body irradiation. We revealed that NC‐derived mesenchymal cells have reduced susceptibility to irradiation and induce the upregulation of hematopoietic factors that promote thymus regeneration after irradiation. Additionally, using adult thymic organ culture and renal capsule transplantation, depletion of NC‐derived mesenchymal cells resulted in a reduction of DN1‐like early T‐cell progenitors (ETP) and impaired thymic regeneration. Furthermore, among the numerous factors upregulated by NC‐derived mesenchymal cells, Periostin and Flt3L were markedly increased after irradiation and promoted abundance of DN1‐like ETPs during thymic reconstitution. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of NC‐derived mesenchymal cells in thymic regeneration.
Microwave Assisted Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil Using Steel Slags as Catalyst
Authors: Derobertis Francesca , Stella Leone Maria , Mesto Ernesto , Schingaro Emanuela , Porfido Carlo , Ditaranto Nicoletta , Mali Matilda , Dell'Anna Maria Michela , Mastrorilli Piero 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAn innovative catalytic system for biodiesel synthesis starting from waste biomass (waste cooking oil, WCO) in the presence of waste material (steel slags) as the catalyst under microwave irradiation is described. The reaction conditions were optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box‐Behnken Design (BBD) taking time, temperature, and catalyst weight as factors. The optimum conditions, leading to 97 % conversion of WCO into FAMEs (fatty acid methyl esters) were found to be: 18 min reaction time, 134 °C and 380 mg of catalyst for 1.0 mL of WCO. The recyclability of the catalyst was tested at different experimental conditions, and by increasing the reaction times for subsequent cycles, the catalytic efficiency remained steady. The alkalinity of both as‐received steel slags and steel slags recovered after three reaction cycles was tested with the Hammett indicator method. The steel slags were also characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X‐ray Fluorescence (ED‐XRF), X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
Trench investigation to quantify debris flow activity for landslide hazard mapping in populated areas: Lessons learned from Gol, southern Norway
Authors: Eilertsen Raymond S. , Sletten Kari , Sandøy Gro , Hermanns Reginald , Romundset Anders , Rubensdotter Lena 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe here describe the results of stratigraphic and sedimentological examinations of debris flow deposits at Breidokk, Gol, southern Norway. The deposits are situated at the valley floor, below a steep slope with three large and several smaller debris flow channels incised into the thick till cover. The study area is populated and with abundant infrastructure such as roads, public and private buildings and other types of infrastructure, including underground water pipes and cables. Six, 10–15 m long and 1–3 m deep trenches were dug out with an excavator and examined. The sediments in the trenches consist of moraine‐, glaciofluvial/fluvial‐ and debris flow deposits. The latter consist of matrix supported, unsorted, massive beds from 1 cm to more than 1 m in thickness, with clasts up to 80 cm in diameter. A total of 16 post glacial debris flow beds are identified in five of the six trenches, representing a minimum of eight individual debris flow events. This is probably an underestimation of the debris flow activity through postglacial times as the location of the trenches was in large determined by infrastructure and were not optimally placed for mapping all debris flow deposits in the area. Also, correlation between trenches proved difficult. A total of 37 radiocarbon ages of buried soil and other organic material situated above and below debris flow deposits, together with the sedimentological and stratigraphical interpretation, show that debris flow activity has prevailed throughout the Holocene, also within the last 1000 years. A possible increase in activity within the last 3–4000 years BP has been noted. This is important knowledge to aid in the interpretation of the Quaternary history of the area but also to determine the hazard zones.
Sectoral Corporate Profits and Long‐Run Stock Return Volatility in the United States: A GARCH‐MIDAS Approach
Authors: Salisu Afees , Isah Kazeem O. , Ogbonna Ahamuefula Ephraim 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aims to examine the usefulness of corporate profits in predicting the return volatility of sectoral stocks in the United States. We use a GARCH‐MIDAS approach to keep the datasets in their original frequencies. The results show a consistently positive slope coefficient across various sectoral stocks. This implies that higher profits lead to increased trading of stocks and, subsequently, a higher volatility in the long run than usual. Furthermore, the analysis also extends to predictability beyond the in‐sample. We find strong evidence that corporate profits can predict the out‐of‐sample long‐run return volatility of sectoral stocks in the United States. These findings are significant for investors and portfolio managers.
Predictive Power of Key Financial Variables During the Unconventional Monetary Policy Era
Authors: Kuosmanen Petri , Vataja Juuso 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the forecasting power of three well‐established financial predictors during the prolonged era of unconventional monetary policy: the term spread, the short‐term interest rate, and stock returns. The focus is on predicting GDP growth in both the United States and the Euro area. Our out‐of‐sample forecasting analysis specifically targets the period characterized by the short‐term interest rate effectively bounded at or near the zero lower bound. We recognize that the information content of the term spread is likely to change under such circumstances. Similarly, the dynamics of the short‐term interest rate could be altered due to unconventional monetary policy measures. To address this, we modify the short rate calculation by incorporating the shadow interest. This shadow interest rate can go much lower on the negative side than normal interest rates, making it a potentially more accurate rate to describe the monetary policy stance of central banks. The forecasting analysis covers the period from 2009:1 to 2022:3. Our results unambiguously reveal that the predictive power of the term spread completely vanishes during the zero lower bound era. Although the shadow rate has minor predictive content, the strongest predictor consistently lies in real stock returns during unconventional monetary policy. Our findings challenge the conventional wisdom and the stylized fact of the term spread as the most reliable financial predictor for economic activity. According to our results, this does not hold true under unconventional monetary policy, and using the shadow interest rate does not make a major difference in that respect. By shedding light on the changing dynamics during unconventional monetary policy, our study contributes novel insights to the existing literature.
The Impact of Fermentation on Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Levels in Sorghum Kernels and Flour Used to Prepare Complementary Food in Kerio Valley, Kenya
Authors: Lesuuda Lmeriai , Obonyo Meshack Amos , Cheserek Maureen Jepkorir 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTSorghum is a major ingredient used in the production of complementary foods in Kenya's drylands, particularly in areas like Kerio Valley. However, it is known to be susceptible to aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination, which have adverse effects on human health. The current study aimed to assess the levels of aflatoxin and fumonisin in sorghum kernels and flour from Kerio Valley and to investigate whether fermentation (spontaneous or innoculum facilated) could reduce the levels of toxins. The sorghum samples were obtained through a cross‐sectional survey and subjected to ELISA analysis for quantification of aflatoxin and fumonisin levels. The aflatoxin levels ranged from 0 to 119.91 ppb for sorghum kernels and from 2.70 to 89.36 ppb in the flour, while fumonisin concentrations ranged from 0 to 30.65 ppm in sorghum kernels and 0.22 to 27.27 ppm in the flour. Fermentation significantly reduced the levels of the toxins in sorghum samples (p ≤ 0.05). The type of fermentation (p = 0.001), sample fermented (kernels or flour) (p = 0.004), and duration of fermentation (p = 0.037) significantly impacted the reduction of both toxins. Therefore, there is a need to integrate the adoption of fermentation with other effective postharvest practices to mitigate mycotoxin contamination in sorghum and other cereal‐based foods. In addition to the customary health and nutrition messages, promoting proper food handling, storage, and processing can significantly contribute to improving food safety and the overall health and nutritional status of young children.
Beet Root Peel Extract as a Natural Cost‐Effective pH Indicator and Food Preservative in Edible Film: Shelf Life Improvement of Cold‐Stored Trout Fillet
Authors: Ghanbar Soleiman Abadi Fatemeh , Bazargani‐Gilani Behnaz , Emamifar Aryou , Nourian Alireza 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIn this study, chitosan (C)‐polyvinyl alcohol (P) edible film containing bio‐fabricated nanosilver particles (nAg) (as antimicrobial agent) and beetroot peel extract (BRPE) (as antioxidant agent and pH indicator) was used as spoilage indicator in cold‐stored rainbow trout fillets. DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (43.02%), reducing power (2.87), and total phenolic content (360.50 mg GAE/g) of ethanolic BRPE were higher than aqueous extract. Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using silver nitrate reduction by chitosan, confirmed by UV–Visible spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscope images, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The highest tensile strength (4.20 MPa) and elongation at break (118%) belonged to the CP‐BRPE film, and the lowest water vapor permeability (2.45 10−5 g/s/m/P) was related to the CP‐nAg film. Also, the lowest total viable count (6.17 log CFU/g), psychrotrophic bacteria (6.27 log CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae (4.9 log CFU/g), pH (5.66), total volatile basic‐nitrogen (TVB‐N) (22.1 mg/100 g of fish), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (0.705 mg MDA/kg of fish) values of the packaged trout fillets were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) observed in CP‐BRPE‐gnAg treatment among the other treatments at the end of the storage period, and CP‐gnAg, CP‐BRPE, and CP treatments were in the next ranks, respectively. Colorimetric analysis of the used films showed that the films containing BRPE depicted color spectra of red to yellow at the same time as the spoilage symptoms initiated in the packaged fillets. It is concluded that BRPE not only increased the preservative effects of chitosan‐polyvinyl alcohol film containing green silver nanoparticles but also can be considered as a natural cost‐effective spoilage indicator of the rainbow trout fillets during cold storage time.