bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the link between sedentary behavior and cognitive decline: a comprehensive study combining Mendelian randomization and animal model experiments
Authors: Bai Yupeng , Liu Mengke , Fang Yan , Zhan Ruonan 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThe causal link between detrimental behaviors and cognitive performance remains unclear. This research seeks to investigate the causal impact of adjustable lifestyle factors on cognitive deterioration, including frequency of alcohol intake, onset of smoking, and sedentary activities like prolonged television viewing.MethodsThis research combines large-scale genetic data obtained from univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses with experimental findings obtained from animal models.ResultsOur findings reveal that the odds ratio (OR) for cognitive function deterioration was 0.445 (inverse variance weighted [IVW] 95% CI: 0.370 to 0.536, p &lt; 0.001) for each standard deviation increase in television watching time. After adjustment for body mass index (BMI), number of days walked /moderate activity over 10+ min and education in Multivariable Mendelian Randomization (MVMR), only the genetic predisposition to increased television watching time remained significantly associated with worse cognitive function (OR 0.659, 95% CI: 0.452 to 0.960, p = 0.030). The other two habits had no significant effects. Sensitivity analyses have confirmed that genetic pleiotropy did not influence the results. To further explore the relationship between sedentary behavior and cognitive function, as well as the underlying mechanisms, we conducted a restricted cage housing experiment and a physical exercise training experiment in mice. The results showed that physical exercise significantly improved spatial memory, as assessed by the Morris water maze, and increased exploratory interest, as evaluated by the open field test (OFT) and the elevated plus-maze test, compared to the sedentary control group. These cognitive advantages may be mediated through mechanisms involving free radical scavenging and enhanced synaptic plasticity.ConclusionOur research provides genetic evidence indicating that extended television viewing is linked to an elevated risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, experimental data from mouse models suggest that physical exercise can counteract cognitive decline and anxiety-like behaviors induced by sedentary behavior. This protective effect is likely mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mechanisms that enhance synaptic plasticity within the hippocampus.
Ten-words recall test: an effective tool to differentiate mild cognitive impairment from subjective cognitive decline
Authors: Ren Hua , Feng Qiansen , Chen Lei , Li Linlin , Wang Jiayu , Wu Jiajing , Dong Li , Liu Tiejun , Wang Ziqi 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionSubjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are stages 2 and 3, respectively, of the Alzheimer’s continuum. The Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog’s) ten-words recall test is a validated method for the early detection of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease. However, limited studies have investigated its ability to differentiate between SCD and MCI.Methods203 participants with SCD and 62 participants with MCI underwent multiple neuropsychological assessments. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MOCA-B) served as brief global cognition tests. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the potential factors affecting MCI. The accuracy of the ten-words recall test was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC).ResultsThe neuropsychological assessment revealed significant differences in the ten-words recall test scores between the SCD (median age 61 years; 70.44% female) and MCI (median age 64 years; 61.29% female) groups (p &lt; 0.001), with the MCI group scoring the highest. Using a cut-off value of 3.15 for the ten-words recall test, sensitivity for distinguishing MCI from SCD reached 87%, while specificity stood at 61% (AUC 0.777, p &lt; 0.001). DeLong’s test indicated no statistically significant difference in the ten-words recall test’s ability to distinguish between SCD and MCI compared to the total score of ADAS-Cog (AUC 0.833, p) and MMSE (AUC 0.784, p &gt; 0.05). However, a significant difference was observed when compared to MoCA-B (AUC 0.973, p &lt; 0.001). In the population with an education level of ≤ 9 years, the optimal cut-off value for the ten-words recall test was 3.15, yielding a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 45% (AUC = 0.674, p = 0.030). In the population with an education level &gt; 9 years, the optimal cut-off value was 3.63, resulting in a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 71% (AUC = 0.785, p &lt; 0.001).DiscussionThe ten-words recall test from the ADAS-cog may detect MCI early owing to its simplicity and quick administration. It is an effective and convenient tool for rapidly identifying mild cognitive impairment.
Sentiment analysis of post-COVID-19 health information needs of autism spectrum disorder community: insights from social media discussions
Authors: Larnyo Ebenezer , Nutakor Jonathan Aseye , Addai-Dansoh Stephen , Nkrumah Edmund Nana Kwame 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis study explores the health information needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their caregivers in the post-COVID-19 era by analyzing discussions from Reddit, a popular social media platform.MethodsUtilizing a mixed-method approach that integrates qualitative content analysis with quantitative sentiment analysis, we analyzed user-generated content from the “r/autism” subreddit to identify recurring themes and sentiments.ResultsThe qualitative analysis uncovered key themes, including symptoms, diagnostic challenges, caregiver experiences, treatment options, and stigma, reflecting the diverse concerns within the ASD community. The quantitative sentiment analysis revealed a predominance of positive sentiment across discussions, although significant instances of neutral and negative sentiments were also present, indicating varied experiences and perspectives among community members. Among the machine learning models used for sentiment classification, the Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM) model achieved the highest performance, demonstrating a validation accuracy of 95.74%.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the need for improved digital platforms and community resources to address the specific health information needs of the ASD community, particularly in enhancing access to reliable information and fostering supportive environments. These insights can guide future interventions and policies aimed at improving the well-being of autistic persons and their caregivers.
Problematic behaviors at mealtimes and the nutritional status of Brazilian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Soares Rita de Cassia Santos , Cândido Flávia Galvão , Filgueiras Mariana De Santis , Rosa Carla de Oliveira Barbora , Novaes Juliana Farias de , Araujo Raquel Maria Amaral 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore problematic behaviors and their association with the food consumption and nutritional status of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study which enrolled 90 Brazilian children (aged 2–10 years) with ASD. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the ASD Eating Behavior Assessment Scale, and the 24-h recall were used. Age, height, total body weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were accessed to estimate nutritional status (BMI/Age). Consumption of fruits, vegetables, total calories, macro and micronutrients (calcium, iron, zinc, omega 3 and omega 6), and Body Mass Index (BMI) were assessed. The regression models were adjusted for covariates (prevalence ratio – PR, α =  0.05).ResultsAll studied children presented problematic behaviors at mealtimes, with a predominance of food selectivity (57.8%), followed by changes in mealtime skills (34.4%), changes in masticatory motor skills (25.6%), oppositional eating behaviors (20.4%), and rigid eating behaviors (20.0%). Food selectivity was associated with excess body weight (PR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.08–3.51) and absence of vegetable consumption (PR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.46–0.81). Rigid eating behaviors was associated with low consumption of fiber (PR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.15–1.75) and zinc (PR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.33–3.45), and with excessive caloric (PR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.29) and lower calcium intake (PR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29–0.91).ConclusionSelectivity and rigidity behaviors have different relationships with food consumption and are associated with a higher prevalence of inadequacies, which may lead to nutritional risks for children. Further studies may investigate the influence of problematic behaviors and excess body weight in ASD.
How do policies promote the sustainable development of older-adult care industry? A configuration analysis based on policy tools
Authors: Zhang Xiangwei , Lu Zhengnan , Zhu Dongdan , Zhang Yuting 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundUnder the background of population aging in China, the demand for older-adult care services and products is growing, and the older-adult care industry has great development prospects. A sound older-adult care policy system, that is, an effective policy tool mix, plays an important role in improving the sustainable development of older-adult care industry.Materials and methodsBased on older-adult care policy documents from 31 Chinese provinces, this research extracts older-adult care policy tools via text mining. Then extracted policy tools are taken as conditional variables, and the development of older-adult care industry, which is manifested by the number of older-adult care companies across 31 regions is taken as the result variable. Through applying qualitative comparative analysis, the combined effect of different policy tools on the development of older-adult care industry is obtained.Results and discussionsResults show that a single policy tool cannot constitute the necessary condition to facilitate the older-adult care industry. Hence, policy tools should be applied in combination. Five sustainable policy tool mixes which can promote the development of older-adult care industry are summarized, namely supporting policy-driven mode, fiscal and tax support mode led by supply-oriented policy tools, double-team mode driven by fiscal and tax support and the consumer market, multi-subject joint force mode, and technology compensation mode. The overall findings of this study imply that exploring the policy tool combinations is of vital importance to the sustainable development of older-adult care industry.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Literacy and Hesitancy of Elderly Czechs: An Analysis Using the 5C Model of Psychological Antecedents
Authors: Riad Abanoub , Truksová Veronika , Koščík Michal 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesSeasonal influenza vaccination rates among the elderly in the Czech Republic are alarmingly low, making it one of the least vaccinated countries in Europe. This study explored the role of vaccine literacy and insurance coverage on vaccination status.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Summer 2023 using a self-administered questionnaire covering vaccine literacy (functional, interactive, and critical skills), negative perceptions towards influenza vaccination, and the 5C model (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, and collective responsibility). Individuals aged 55 and older were included in the study. Mediation analyses assessed the indirect effects of insurance coverage on vaccination status.ResultsSignificant differences were noted in vaccination rates based on insurance coverage, chronic diseases, regular medication use, and previous COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccinations. Vaccine literacy, especially interactive and critical skills, was higher among vaccinated individuals. Confidence and collective responsibility were significant promoters, while complacency and constraints were barriers to vaccination. Mediation analyses indicated that negative perceptions, confidence, and collective responsibility significantly mediated the relationship between insurance coverage and vaccination status.ConclusionEnhancing vaccine literacy and addressing psychological antecedents are crucial for improving influenza vaccination rates among the elderly. Policy measures should include improving vaccine literacy, building public confidence, and addressing negative perceptions.
Colorectal cancer and associated genetic, lifestyle, cigarette, nargileh-hookah use and alcohol consumption risk factors: a comprehensive case-control study
Authors: Bener Abdulbari , Öztürk Ahmet Emin , Dasdelen Muhammed Furkan , Barisik Cem Cahit , Dasdelen Zehra Betul , Agan Ahmet F. , De La Rosette Jean , Day Andrew S. 
Published: October 2024

AimThis study aimed to investigate the causes and risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC) in a Turkish population, focusing on various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.MethodsA hospital-based case-control design was employed to compare individuals with CRC (cases) to individuals without CRC (controls). Male and female participants were recruited from the surgery, internal medicine, and out-patient departments. The study encompassed socio-demographic data, clinical information, radiological diagnoses, and biochemical measurements. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine associated risk factors of CRC.ResultsThe study included 704 individuals with CRC and 704 controls. Significant socio-demographic disparities were observed between the groups, with over 30% of the cases having lower levels of education and income compared to the controls. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, higher rates of smoking (cigarettes and hookah) and alcohol consumption were more prevalent among cases than controls. Further significant associations were identified with intestinal inflammation, obesity, processed food consumption, and symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea/vomiting, anemia, stress, fatigue, weakness, and weight loss. Diet analysis revealed that individuals with CRC consumed more red meat, processed and fast foods along with less pulses and vegetables. Genetic predispositions and exposure to chemicals also correlated strongly with increased CRC risk. Multivariable regression analysis identified, nausea/vomiting, constipation, intestinal disease, genetics factor, hookah-nargileh use, history of any cancer, family history of bowel cancer, constipation, cigarette smoking, stress, milk-yogurt consumption, obesity and red meat consumption as significant determinants for CRC.ConclusionCRC risk is influenced by dietary, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Awareness of hereditary risk and participation in screening are crucial. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking, hookah, and alcohol use, and adopting a healthy diet, are essential for prevention.
Molecular Typing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates Collected in Abidjan Hospitals (Côte d’Ivoire) Using the Multiple-Locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeats Method
Authors: Essoh Christiane , Hauck Yolande , Ouassa Timothée , Touré Daouda , Djatchi Richmond , Loukou Guillaume Yao , N’Guetta Simon-Pierre Assanvo , Vergnaud Gilles , Pourcel Christine 
Published: October 2024

Background/objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause community-acquired infections affecting various body sites. The present retrospective study investigated the genetic diversity of 173 isolates (166 clinical, 7 environmental) of P. aeruginosa collected from clinical pathology laboratories in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (2001–2011). Methods: Multiple-Locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Analysis (MLVA) using 13 loci was applied to all isolates and compared to published MLVA data. The antibiotics status of the isolates was compiled when available and compared to published profiles. Results: Among 95 isolates analyzed for their antibiotics status, 14 displayed concerning resistance profiles: five multidrug-resistant (MDR) and nine extensively drug-resistant (XDR). MLVA typing revealed a high genetic diversity (>130 genotypes), with many genotypes represented by a single strain. Notably, thirteen clusters (≥4 related isolates) were observed. Some clusters displayed close genetic relatedness to isolates from France, Korea, and well-studied strains (ST560, LES and PA14). Comparative analysis suggested the presence of international high-risk MDR clones (CC233, CC111) in Côte d’Ivoire. Importantly, MLVA clustering revealed a close relationship of CC235-MDR strains with a locally identified cluster (group 9). Conclusions: These findings support MLVA as a reliable and cost-effective tool for low-resource settings, allowing the selection of relevant strains for future whole genome sequence analyses. This approach can improve outbreak investigations and public health interventions aimed at curbing MDR P. aeruginosa transmission within hospitals and at the national level.
High-Data-Rate Modulators Based on Graphene Transistors: Device Circuit Co-Design Proposals
Authors: Pacheco-Sanchez Anibal , Ramos-Silva J. Noé , Mavredakis Nikolaos , Ramírez-García Eloy , Jiménez David 
Published: October 2024

The multifunctionality feature of graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) is exploited here to design circuit building blocks of high-data-rate modulators by using a physics-based compact model. Educated device performance projections are obtained with the experimentally calibrated model and used to choose an appropriate improved feasible GFET for these applications. Phase-shift and frequency-shift keying (PSK and FSK) modulation schemes are obtained with 0.6 GHz GFET-based multifunctional circuits used alternatively in different operation modes: inverting and in-phase amplification and frequency multiplication. An adequate baseband signal applied to the transistors’ input also serves to enhance the device and circuit performance reproducibility since the impact of traps is diminished. Quadrature PSK is also achieved by combining two GFET-based multifunctional circuits. This device circuit co-design proposal intends to boost the heterogeneous implementation of graphene devices with incumbent technologies into a single chip: the baseband pulses can be generated with CMOS technology as a front end of line and the multifunctional GFET-based circuits as a back end of line.
The Impact of Different Thinning Regimes on the Growth Dynamics of Pure Norway Spruce Stands in Lithuania
Authors: Šilinskas Benas , Linkevičius Edgaras , Aleinikovas Marius , Beniušienė Lina , Škėma Mindaugas 
Published: October 2024

Forest growth under changing environmental conditions has been a major concern worldwide. The estimations of forests’ growth trends may provide significant insight on changing the value of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) forests. The purpose of this study was to estimate the growth dynamics of thinned and un-thinned spruce stands in Lithuania by assessing their standing volume, gross volume yield, and stand density. For this purpose, two pure Norway spruce sites, established in 1990 and 1992, were selected. The thinning treatment scheme for each trial, comprised of five distinct stand density variants and eight different yield parameters, were analysed for each plot. Control plots exhibited the smallest growth in diameter, whereas stands that had been thinned once at a young age displayed the largest diameter increment (peak—1.4 cm/year). An increasing trend in tree stem volume was registered in all thinning treatment plots. The greatest competition index was found in the control plots, indicating an exceptionally high competition (peak—4.6–5.1) between trees for growth space. The competition index was four times smaller (2.0) in the moderately thinned stand. Intensifying natural mortality rate and signs of growth stabilization in the control plots (un-thinned) cannot guarantee them the positions of the highest productivity and accumulated stand volume in the future compared with thinned spruce stands.
The Anisotropic Mechanical and Tribological Behaviors of Additively Manufactured (Material Extrusion) Implant-Grade Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)
Authors: Maydanshahi Mohammad Reza , Najari Mohammad Reza , Slatter Tom , Mohammadpour Mahdi 
Published: October 2024

In this study, we investigated the mechanical and tribological properties of the layer-by-layer structure of additively manufactured implant-grade Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) through the Material Extrusion (ME) process as a potential substitute for artificial joints. The effective elasticity modulus of the anisotropic 3D-printed PEEK was determined to be 2.505 GPa along the vertical and horizontal build orientations. The lubricated friction and wear performance were assessed using a pin-on-disk test under various loads, including 14, 30, 50, and 70 N, with a sliding speed of 50 mm/s over a total distance of 1 km at 37 °C. The contact parameters between the hemispherical steel pin and 3D-printed PEEK disks, involving contact pressures over the circle of contact, were observed to increase as the load increased. The results indicated that the wear coefficient exhibited a rise from 1.418 × 10−5 to 2.089 × 10−1 as the applied loads increased, signaling a shift from mild to severe wear regimes. Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) as a lubricant exhibited a mixed mechanism, ascertained through the Stribeck curve, as well as a minimum fluid film thickness of 1.346 nm under an isoviscous–elastic regime, as calculated by the maximum load. Moreover, the mechanism governing wear during sliding, influenced by both normal axial and shear loads, primarily involved adhesion.