bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal comparison of the relationship of energy intake with body composition and physical performance in elite female basketball and volleyball players
Authors: Miguel-Ortega Álvaro , Calleja-González Julio , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To maximise sporting success, disciplines such as basketball and volleyball need to improve their methods of analysing the sporting performance and fitness of their athletes. Although energy intake quantities have been established at a theoretical level for women to perform at a sporting level, it has been found that these energy intake levels are not met or followed and that, despite this, the performance of female players is not diminished. Thus, the purpose of this research study was to describe and compare the anthropometric characteristics of these two disciplines and to identify the differences in actual and theoretical energy intake, as well as to observe physical performance in both disciplines.

Methods
Anthropometric data, continuous quantitative data, training time and characteristics, and energy intake data were collected. Performance tests included upper and lower body strength, speed, agility, and endurance tests. Dietary monitoring showed lower intakes of total energy, carbohydrate and protein than theoretically recommended. However, the athletes experienced overall improvements in performance and body composition.

Results
The mean total energy intake was 20.2 ± 4.3 kcal·kg−1·day−1. The minimum individual mean intake was 9.8 kcal·kg−1·day−1 and the maximum was 25.95 kcal·kg−1·day−1. Carbohydrates accounted for 54.3% ± 8.8% of the energy intake; 20.3% ± 6.5% from fats; 25.4% ± 5.7% from proteins.

Conclusions
Current data suggest that, although a cause-effect relationship between dietary intake and BC performance cannot be determined, elite athletes in these sports disciplines may experience beneficial outcomes despite having lower total energy, CHO, protein, and fat intakes than previously recommended in the literature.
Modelling Mucus Clearance in Sinuses: Thin-Film Flow Inside a Fluid-Producing Cavity Lined with an Active Surface
Authors: Desai Nikhil , Lauga Eric 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe paranasal sinuses are a group of hollow spaces within the human skull, surrounding the nose. They are lined with an epithelium that contains mucus-producing cells and tiny hairlike active appendages called cilia. The cilia beat constantly to sweep mucus out of the sinus into the nasal cavity, thus maintaining a clean mucus layer within the sinuses. This process, called mucociliary clearance, is essential for a healthy nasal environment and disruption in mucus clearance leads to diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis, specifically in the maxillary sinuses, which are the largest of the paranasal sinuses. We present here a continuum mathematical model of mucociliary clearance inside the human maxillary sinus. Using a combination of analysis and computations, we study the flow of a thin fluid film inside a fluid-producing cavity lined with an active surface: fluid is continuously produced by a wall-normal flux in the cavity and then is swept out, against gravity, due to an effective tangential flow induced by the cilia. We show that a steady layer of mucus develops over the cavity surface only when the rate of ciliary clearance exceeds a threshold, which itself depends on the rate of mucus production. We then use a scaling analysis, which highlights the competition between gravitational retention and cilia-driven drainage of mucus, to rationalise our computational results. We discuss the biological relevance of our findings, noting that measurements of mucus production and clearance rates in healthy sinuses fall within our predicted regime of steady-state mucus layer development.
The effects of climate change on Pinus tabulaeformis radial growth in the Xiaowutai Mountains, northern China
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Jiping , Wei Benyong , Qiao Qing , Zhang Wentao , Ning Yangcui , Liu Chunlan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractClarifying the climate change effects on the radial growth of trees has implications for sustainable forest management, especially under global warming. To investigate tree growth responses to regional climate change of Xiaowutai Mountain, four Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis) ring-width index chronologies were established at different elevations (1290–1600 m). Species growth trends were estimated using climate change projections derived from global climate models. The results show: (1) the four ring-width chronologies exhibited strong statistical characteristics, making them suitable for dendroclimatology studies. Radial growth-climate relationships were highly consistent, showing a negative correlation with previous September temperatures and current May–June temperatures, as well as a positively correlated with precipitation and Palmer Drought Severity Index during the corresponding period; and (2) climate change scenarios revealed that temperature will gradually increase on the Xiaowutai Mountain, and only a slight variation in precipitation is expected. Chinese pine radial growth may show a decline under future climate change.
What do Lygus like? Looking for potential trap crops to reduce faba bean damage
Authors: Aguiar-Cordero Teresa , Cárcamo Héctor , Prager Sean 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGrain legumes, such as faba bean (Vicia faba L.), are crucial for protein supply and soil fertility enhancement through nitrogen fixation. However, faba bean cultivation is challenged by Lygus plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae), which cause significant crop damage and seed quality loss. This study aimed to evaluate Lygus preferences between faba bean and alternative crops to develop effective management strategies. We conducted choice bioassay experiments under laboratory conditions and field plot experiments. Laboratory results indicated sex-based host preferences, with males favoring faba beans and females preferring canola. Field studies showed that faba beans adjacent to canola had higher Lygus abundance and damage compared to those next to peas, flax, and safflower. Safflower and sunflower demonstrated potential as trap crops to reduce Lygus damage to faba beans. Our findings provide insights into Lygus behavior and suggest that a combination of trap cropping, and targeted insecticide use could mitigate the impact of Lygus infestations on faba bean cultivation.
Real-world efficacy and safety of naltrexone-bupropion therapy in Chinese patients with obesity: A single-centre experience
Authors: Lui David Tak Wai , Tsoi Kimberly Hang , Fong Carol Ho Yi , Jiang Nancy Su , Chow Wing Sun , Yuen Michele Mae Ann 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®) has shown efficacy and safety in large randomised controlled trials, predominantly comprising Caucasians. Data are limited in Asian populations. We carried out a retrospective matched cohort study of Chinese patients with obesity to evaluate the efficacy and safety of naltrexone-bupropion in real-world clinical practice.

Methods
We performed a retrospective matched cohort study of Chinese patients with obesity managed in the Obesity Clinic of Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020. Electronic health records of patients treated with naltrexone-bupropion were retrieved for body weight and height, obesity-related metabolic parameters, and adverse events over a 12-month period. Age- and sex-matched controls from the Obesity Clinic who were only on self-directed lifestyle management were identified for comparison of weight changes. General linear models were used to analyse the change in body weight over 12 months.

Results
Thirty-seven patients treated with naltrexone-bupropion were included (mean age 42.2 ± 8.4 years, 54.1% men, baseline body mass index 37.3 ± 4.6 kg/m2), and 37 age- and sex-matched controls were included. Among the 37 naltrexone-bupropion-treated patients, the mean weight loss was 9.2 ± 5.2% at 6 months and 9.7 ± 8.1% at 12 months, which were significantly more than in controls (p < 0.001). Improvements in the obesity-related parameters were observed in association with weight loss over 12 months. Ten patients (27.0%) discontinued naltrexone-bupropion due to side effects, mainly neurological and gastrointestinal manifestations, within the first 12 months.

Conclusion
We demonstrated real-world efficacy and safety of naltrexone-bupropion among Chinese patients with obesity.
Clinical and Molecular Profiles of a Cohort of Egyptian Patients with Collagen VI-Related Dystrophy
Authors: Sharaf-Eldin Wessam E. , Rafat Karima , Issa Mahmoud Y. , Elbendary Hasnaa M. , Eissa Noura R. , Hawaary Bahaa , Gaboon Nagwa E. A. , Maroofian Reza , Gleeson Joseph G. , Essawi Mona L. , Zaki Maha S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCollagen VI-related dystrophies (COL6-RD) display a wide spectrum of disease severity and genetic variability ranging from mild Bethlem myopathy (BM) to severe Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD) and the intermediate severities in between with dual modes of inheritance, dominant and recessive. In the current study, next-generation sequencing demonstrated potential variants in the genes coding for the three alpha chains of collagen VI (COL6A1, COL6A2, or COL6A3) in a cohort of Egyptian patients with progressive muscle weakness (n = 23). Based on the age of disease onset and the patient clinical course, subjects were diagnosed as follows: 12 with UCMD, 8 with BM, and 3 with intermediate disease form. Fourteen pathogenic variants, including 5 novel alterations, were reported in the enrolled subjects. They included 3 missense, 3 frameshift, and 6 splicing variants in 4, 3, and 6 families, respectively. In addition, a nonsense variant in a single family and an inframe variant in 3 different families were also detected. Recessive and dominant modes of inheritance were recorded in 9 and 8 families, respectively. According to ACMG guidelines, variants were classified as pathogenic (n = 7), likely pathogenic (n = 4), or VUS (n = 3) with significant pathogenic potential. To our knowledge, the study provided the first report of the clinical and genetic findings of a cohort of Egyptian patients with collagen VI deficiency. Inter- and intra-familial clinical variability was evident among the study cohort.
A Nanobody-Based Proximity Ligation Assay Detects Constitutive and Stimulus-Regulated Native Arc/Arg3.1 Oligomers in Hippocampal Neuronal Dendrites
Authors: Baldinotti Rodolfo , Pauzin Francois P. , Fevang Hauk , Ishizuka Yuta , Bramham Clive R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractActivity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), the product of an immediate early gene, plays critical roles in synaptic plasticity and memory. Evidence suggests that Arc function is determined by its oligomeric state; however, methods for localization of native Arc oligomers are lacking. Here, we developed a nanobody-based proximity ligation assay (PLA) for detection, localization, and quantification of Arc-Arc complexes in primary rat hippocampal neuronal cultures. We used nanobodies with single, structurally defined epitopes in the bilobar Arc capsid domain. Nanobody H11 binds inside the N-lobe ligand pocket, while nanobody C11 binds to the C-lobe surface. For each nanobody, ALFA- and FLAG-epitope tags created a platform for antibody binding and PLA. Surprisingly, PLA puncta in neuronal dendrites revealed widespread constitutive Arc-Arc complexes. Treatment of cultures with tetrodotoxin or cycloheximide had no effect, suggesting stable complexes that are independent of recent neuronal activity and protein synthesis. To assess detection of oligomers, cultures were exposed to a cell-penetrating peptide inhibitor of the Arc oligomerization motif (OligoOFF). Arc-Arc complexes detected by H11 PLA were inhibited by OligoOff but not by control peptide. Notably, Arc complexes detected by C11 were unaffected by OligoOFF. Furthermore, we evaluated Arc complex formation after chemical stimuli that increase Arc synthesis. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor increased Arc-Arc signal detected by C11, but not H11. Conversely, dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) treatment selectively enhanced H11 PLA signals. In sum, nanobody-based PLA reveals constitutive and stimulus-regulated Arc oligomers in hippocampal neuronal dendrites. A model is proposed based on detection of Arc dimer by C11 and higher-order oligomer by H11 nanobody.
Endothelial Neurogranin Regulates Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability via Modulation of the AKT Pathway
Authors: Akande Adesewa O. , Carter Zachary A. , Stokes Karen Y. , Nam Hyung W. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNeurogranin (Ng) expression is a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease. A loss of brain Ng and an increase in CSF Ng positively correlate with cognitive decline. Ng is known to regulate neuronal calcium-calmodulin binding and synaptic plasticity, which are critical for learning/memory. Interestingly, we discovered that Ng is also expressed in mouse and human blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, the role of Ng expression in brain vasculature remains largely undefined. In this study, we investigated the role of Ng expression on neurovascular structure and function using Ng null mice and human cerebral microvascular endothelial (hCMEC/D3) cells. We performed brain clearing and immunolabeling of blood vessels from whole brains and brain slices. Deletion of Ng significantly decreases neurovascular density in mice. Using in vivo permeability assays, we found increased neurovascular permeability in Ng null mice. We also observed significant changes in the expression of tight junction proteins using western blot and immunofluorescent staining. To identify the molecular pathways involved, we carried out label-free proteomics on brain lysates from endothelial-specific Ng knockout mice. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis indicated that the AKT pathway is attenuated in the vasculature of endothelial-specific Ng knockout mice. To validate these in vivo findings, we pharmacologically manipulated AKT signaling in hCMEC/D3 cells and observed that inhibition of AKT activation causes increased permeability. Our results indicate that the loss of Ng expression alters neurovascular structure and permeability, potentially contributing to neurological dysfunction. Therefore, modulating Ng expression in the BBB may offer a novel therapeutic approach for Alzheimer’s disease.
Scoping review of anticancer drug utilization in lung cancer patients at the end of life
Authors: Szigethy Endre , Merzah Mohammed , Sola Ivan , Urrútia Gerard , Bonfill Xavier 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This scoping review aims to deepen the understanding of end-of-life anticancer drug use in lung cancer patients, a disease marked by high mortality and symptom burden. Insight into unique end-of-life treatment patterns is crucial for improving the appropriateness of cancer care for these patients.

Methods
Comprehensive searches were carried out in Medline and Embase to find articles on the utilization of anticancer drugs in the end of life of lung cancer patients.

Results
We identified 68 publications, highlighting the methodological characteristics of studies including the timing of the research, disease condition, treatment regimen, type of treatment, and features of the treatment. We outlined the frequency of anticancer drug use throughout different end-of-life periods.

Conclusion
This review provides a comprehensive overview of primary studies exploring end-of-life treatments in lung cancer patients. Methodological inconsistencies pose many challenges, revealing a notable proportion of patients experiencing potential overtreatment, warranting more standardized research methods for robust evaluations.
Assessment of Mycotoxins in Infants and Children Cereal-Based Foods: Dietary Exposure and Potential Health Risks
Authors: de Sá Soraia V. M. , Fernandes José O. , Faria Miguel A. , Cunha Sara C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPublic health concerns are rising regarding potential mycotoxin contamination in processed cereal-based products consumed by infants and young children. Due to their developing physiological systems and greater vulnerability, children are particularly susceptible to the adverse health effects of mycotoxins. This study investigated the presence of a wide range of mycotoxins (20 in total, encompassing various chemical classes, such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins, trichothecenes, zearalenones, fumonisins, citrinin and sterigmatocystin) in readily available processed cereal-based foods targeted towards infants and children in Portugal. Among the 148 analysed samples, 43% contained at least one of the targeted mycotoxins. Aflatoxin B1 (8.1%) and fumonisin B1 (10.8%) were the most commonly detected regulated mycotoxins, while emerging mycotoxins like enniatin B (14.9%) and beauvericin (10.1%) were also prevalent. The most commonly co-occurring mycotoxins were ENNB + BEA and FB1 + FB2. Although the Estimated Daily Intake of non-carcinogenic mycotoxins in most products was below their respective Tolerable Daily Intake (DONs and FBs (1 μg/kg bw/day), HT-2 and T-2 (0.02 μg/kg bw/day), ZEN (0.25 μg/kg bw/day), and CIT (0.2 μg/kg bw/day)), Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index values exceeded safe thresholds, indicating potential health risks.
The interplay between the urban development of Rome (Italy) and the Tiber River floods: A review of two millennia of socio-hydrological history
Authors: Ridolfi Elena , Lucantonio Mara , Di Baldassarre Giuliano , Moccia Benedetta , Napolitano Francesco , Russo Fabio 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe urban development of Rome (Italy) has been intertwined with the dynamics of the Tiber River since its foundation. In this review paper, we analyse more than 2500 years of flood history and urban development to untangle the dynamics of flood risk and assess the resulting socio-hydrological phenomena. Until the 1800s, urban dwellers living in the riparian areas of the Tiber River were accustomed to frequent flooding. From the 1900s, the construction of flood walls reshaped the co-evolution of hydrological, economic, political, technological, and social processes. As a result, while the probability of flooding is currently very low, its potential adverse consequences would be catastrophic. From the analysis of the long-term feedback between urban development of Rome and flood events from ancient times to present days, it emerges the crucial need for an effective flood risk mitigation strategy that combines structural and non-structural measures. In particular, heightened flood risk awareness and preparedness to cope with rare but potentially devastating events is key to alleviate flood risk.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting pulmonary complications in elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Xue Dinghao , Wang Long , Li Yanxiang , Liu Luyu , Liao Guosong , Cao Jiangbei , Liu Yanhong , Lou Jingsheng , Li Hao , Yang Yongbin , Mi Weidong , Fu Qiang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) remain a prevalent concern among elderly patients undergoing surgery, with a notably higher incidence observed in elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery. This study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict the risk of PPCs in this population.

Methods
A total of 2963 elderly patients who underwent thoracic surgery were enrolled and randomly divided into a training cohort (80%, n = 2369) or a validation cohort (20%, n = 593). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for PPCs, and a nomogram was developed based on the findings from the training cohort. The validation cohort was used to validate the model. The predictive accuracy of the model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under ROC (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results
A total of 918 (31.0%) patients reported PPCs. Nine independent risk factors for PPCs were identified: preoperative presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), elevated leukocyte count, higher partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) level, surgical site, thoracotomy, intraoperative hypotension, blood loss > 100 mL, surgery duration > 180 min, and malignant tumor. The AUC value for the training cohort was 0.739 (95% CI: 0.719–0.762), and it was 0.703 for the validation cohort (95% CI: 0.657–0.749). The P-values for the Hosmer-Lemeshow test were 0.633 and 0.144 for the training and validation cohorts, respectively, indicating a notable calibration curve fit. The DCA curve indicated that the nomogram could be applied clinically if the risk threshold was between 12% and 84%, which was found to be between 8% and 82% in the validation cohort.

Conclusion
This study highlighted the pressing need for early detection of PPCs in elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery. The nomogram exhibited promising predictive efficacy for PPCs in elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery, enabling the identification of high-risk patients and consequently aiding in the implementation of preventive interventions.

Graphical Abstract
Association between dynapenic abdominal obesity and arthritis among the middle-aged and older Chinese: a longitudinal study
Authors: Zhou Shengliang , Luo Naijia , Si Haibo , Da Wacili , Liu Yuan , Wu Limin , Li Mingyang , Shen Bin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to assess the longitudinal association between dynapenic abdominal obesity and new-onset arthritis among the middle-aged and older Chinese population.

Methods
We included 6863 participants from the 2011 and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Dynapenia was defined as handgrip strength < 28 kg for males, and < 18 kg for females. Abdominal obesity was defined as a waist circumference ≥ 90 cm for males and ≥ 85 cm for females. Based on the definitions, all participants were divided into four groups: no dynapenia and no abdominal obesity (ND/NAO), abdominal obesity alone (ND/AO), dynapenia alone (D/NAO), and dynapenia and abdominal obesity (D/AO). The association between dynapenic abdominal obesity and new-onset arthritis was assessed by sex using the Poisson regression models.

Results
After a four-year follow-up, 1272 (18.53%) participants reported new-onset arthritis. Those in the D/AO group had a significantly increased risk of new-onset arthritis compared to those in the ND/NAO group (adjusted relative risk (RR): 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.77). In females, the ND/AO (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.03–1.43) and D/AO (RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01–1.93) groups were associated with a higher risk of arthritis. This significant association was not observed in males.

Conclusions
Our results indicated that the combined effect of dynapenia and abdominal obesity significantly increased the risk of new-onset arthritis in females, but this association was not observed in males.