bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unveiling individuality in the early phase of motor learning: a machine learning approach for analysing weightlifting technique in novices
Authors: Ammar Achraf , Simak Marvin Leonard , Salem Atef , Horst Fabian , Schöllhorn Wolfgang Immanuel 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionDespite the growing body of evidence highlighting the individuality in movement techniques, predominant models of motor learning, particularly during the acquisition phase, continue to emphasise generalised, person-independent approaches. Biomechanical studies, coupled with machine learning approaches, have demonstrated the uniqueness of movement techniques exhibited by individuals. However, this evidence predominantly pertains to already stabilised movement techniques, particularly evident in cyclic daily activities such as walking, running, or cycling, as well as in expert-level sports movements. This study aims to evaluate the hypothesis of individuality in whole-body movements necessitating intricate coordination and strength among novice participants at the very beginning of an acquisition phase.Methods In a within-subject design, sixteen highly active male participants (mean age: 23.1 ± 2.1 years), all absolute novices in the learning task (i.e., power snatch of Olympic weightlifting), participated in randomised snatch learning bouts. These bouts comprised 36 trials across various motor learning models: differential learning contextual interference (serial, sCIL; and blocked, bCIL), and repetitive learning. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected from three standardised snatch trials performed following each motor learning model bout. The time-continuous data were input to a linear Support Vector Machine (SVM). We conducted analyses on two classification tasks: participant and motor learning model.Results The Support Vector Machine classification revealed a notably superior participant classification compared to the motor learning model classification, with an averaged prediction accuracy of 78% (in average ≈35 out of 45 test trials across the folds) versus 27.3% (in average ≈9 out of 36 test trials across the folds). In specific fold and input combinations, accuracies of 91% versus 38% were respectively achieved.Discussion Methodically, the crucial role of selecting appropriate data pre-processing methods and identifying the optimal combinations of SVM data inputs is discussed in the context of future research. Our findings provide initial support for a dominance of individuality over motor learning models in movement techniques during the early phase of acquisition in Olympic weightlifting power snatch.
Investigating the association between gut microbiome and aortic aneurysm diseases: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Sun Yaodong , Dong Haoju , Sun Chao , Du Dongdong , Gao Ruirong , Voevoda Mikhail , Knyazev Roman , Wu Naishi 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the associations between specific bacterial taxa of the gut microbiome and the development of aortic aneurysm diseases, utilizing Mendelian Randomization (MR) to explore these associations and overcome the confounding factors commonly present in observational studies.MethodsEmploying the largest available gut microbiome and aortic aneurysm Genome-Wide Association Study databases, including MiBioGen, Dutch Microbiome Project, FinnGen, UK Biobank, and Michigan Genomics Initiative, this study performs two-sample bidirectional MR analyses. Instrumental variables, linked to microbiome taxa at significant levels, were selected for identifying relationships with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA), and aortic dissection (AD). Methods like inverse variance weighted, MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and mode-based estimate were used for MR analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochran Q test. MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO addressed potential unbalanced horizontal pleiotropy.ResultsThe analysis did not find any evidence of statistically significant associations between the gut microbiome and aortic aneurysm diseases after adjusting for the false discovery rate (FDR). Specifically, while initial results suggested correlations between 19 taxa and AAA, 25 taxa and TAA, and 13 taxa with AD, these suggested associations did not hold statistical significance post-FDR correction. Therefore, the role of individual gut microbial taxa as independent factors in the development and progression of aortic aneurysm diseases remains inconclusive. This finding underscores the necessity for larger sample sizes and more comprehensive studies to further investigate these potential links.ConclusionThe study emphasizes the complex relationship between the gut microbiome and aortic aneurysm diseases. Although no statistically significant associations were found after FDR correction, the findings provide valuable insights and highlight the importance of considering gut microbiota in aortic aneurysm diseases research. Understanding these interactions may eventually contribute to identifying new therapeutic and preventive strategies for aortic aneurysm diseases.
Neural evidence of deprioritizing to-be-forgotten information in visual working memory
Authors: Moen Katherine C. , Beck Melissa R. , Horner Scarlett , Greening Steven G. 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionAlthough evidence supports the effective use of a cue to forget an encoded stimulus, the mechanisms of this forgetting are not well understood. Evidence from item-method directed forgetting in long-term memory reveals greater prefrontal and parietal activation for information that is cued to be forgotten. Activation in those brain regions is typically associated with increased effort and cognitive control.MethodTo test the mechanism of directed forgetting in visual working memory, we used stimuli that rely on distinct brain regions such as faces and buildings and varied memory stability. Participants completed a directed forgetting task with faces and buildings, and memory stability was manipulated by presenting some stimuli repeatedly throughout the study, and other stimuli were only presented once.Results and discussionFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) results from the parahippocampal place area suggest that to-be-remembered buildings elicit higher activation than to-be-forgotten buildings. In addition, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation changed throughout the trial period, possibly suggesting that the cue led to information being dropped from visual working memory, or through a shift in attention, as occurs with the retro-cue paradigm. Several explanations for these results are discussed.
Cardiac rehabilitation patient perspectives during COVID-19 pandemic: quantitative and qualitative study
Authors: Jug Borut , Sedlar Kobe Natasa , Stojinic Dejana , Lainscak Mitja , Farkas Jerneja 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to quantitatively assess stress, anxiety and obsessive thinking related to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and qualitatively appraise perceptions in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing cardiac rehabilitation (CR) during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe used mixed-methods design in patients referred for CR in 2 centres which delivered uninterrupted service during COVID-19 pandemic. Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS), COVID-19 Stress Scale (CSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and in-person interviews (combination of a priori questions and probing) were used to evaluate patient experience and perceptions with COVID-19 and the healthcare services during pandemic.ResultsIn total, 109 patients (mean age 59 ± 10, 20% women) were included in quantitative part and in 30 of them we conducted the in-person interviews. About a quarter of patients met HADS threshold for anxiety and depression while CAS and OCS results demonstrated extremely low possibility of coronavirus related dysfunctional thinking (3%) and anxiety (2%). The CSS indicated the most prevalent concerns were related to COVID-19 vaccines safety (60%) and fear of getting infected (60%). During interviews, patients perceived the CR as well as health care providers as safe, trustworthy and with enough support to avoid or manage COVID-19 related health risks.ConclusionsOverall, patients reported AMI affected their lives more than the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 related stress and anxiety were relatively low and mostly related to general views of infectious disease. CR was perceived safe and trustworthy in terms of primary disease and COVID-19.Lay summaryThis mixed-method study included 109 patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent cardiac rehabilitation during the COVID-19 and focused on their experience and perceptions with COVID-19 and the healthcare services during pandemic.-Patients reported acute myocardial infarction affected their lives more than the COVID-19 pandemic.-The COVID-19 related concerns were mostly related to general views of infectious disease (vaccine safety, fear of getting infected) whilst cardiac rehabilitation was perceived safe and trustworthy environment during COVID-19.
X-raying educator-related factors hindering sexuality education implementation in rural South African schools: learners’ perspectives
Authors: Adekola Ayobami Precious 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundAlthough numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of well-implemented school-based sexuality education in promoting young people’s sexual and reproductive health outcomes, the prevalence of teenage pregnancy among school-going adolescents in rural schools located in the King Cetshwayo District of South Africa suggests it fell short of its objectives of reducing learners’ vulnerability, enhancing decision-making abilities, and raising self-efficacy in these schools. This study focused on learners’ experiences with their schools’ sexuality education programs.MethodsThis was a qualitative, interpretative phenomenological study. Data was collected from 84 participants across nine schools in the study setting using focus group interviews. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework was followed to analyze the data.ResultsThe results of the study showed that educator-centered impediments to effective school-based sexuality education included attitudes, beliefs, age differences, health status, prior experiences, and personal discomfort. The results further indicated that these obstacles have a detrimental effect on the pedagogical effectiveness of sexuality education teachers in implementing the curriculum in the study setting and, consequently, on the sexual well-being of the learners.ConclusionBased on the study’s findings, pre-service sexuality education pedagogy training is recommended for student teachers, as well as ongoing in-service training and re-training interventions and support for sexuality education teachers, to address the identified barriers and improve their pedagogical efficacy.
Association between oxidative balance score and female infertility from the national health and nutrition examination survey 2013–2018
Authors: Su Zhe , Ding Peihui , Su Wenjing , Li Xia , Li Yiqian , Li Xiaoran , Lao Kaixue , Wang Yanlin 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe correlation between oxidative stress and female infertility pathogenesis was established, and the oxidative balance score (OBS) can serve as a measure of overall oxidative stress burden within an individual. Prior reports have not addressed the relationship between OBS and female infertility. This study endeavors to investigate the association between infertility risk in female and OBS.MethodsThe analysis focused on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2018. OBS was determined from 16 dietary components and 4 lifestyle components. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to investigate the relationship between OBS and female infertility. Further stratified analysis was conducted to examine the associations across various subgroups. To elucidate the dose-response relationship between infertility risk in female and OBS, a restricted cubic spline function was employed.ResultsThe study included a total of 1410 participants. Through weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis, we observed a consistent inverse correlation between OBS and the risk of female infertility [OR (95% CI) = 0.97 (0.95, 0.99), p = 0.047]. When participants were segregated into quartiles based on OBS, those in the highest quartile had a 61% [OR (95% CI) = 0.39 (0.2, 0.79), p = 0.01] reduced risk of infertility compared to those in the lowest quartile of OBS. A trend test assessing OBS by quartile also revealed the relationship between OBS and female infertility. This correlation remained constant across both dietary and lifestyle OBS. Additionally, lifestyle OBS and female infertility exhibited a nonlinear association. A sensitivity analysis verified the consistency of our findings.ConclusionThe study found that a higher OBS is associated with a lower prevalence of female infertility. These results emphasized the potential role of oxidative homeostasis in the pathogenesis of infertility and highlighted the importance of follow-up studies and prevention strategies.
SMN1 c.5C>G (p.Ala2Gly) missense variant, a challenging molecular SMA diagnosis associated with mild disease, preserves SMN nuclear gems in patient-specific fibroblasts
Authors: Cook Sara L. , Stout Christian , Kirkeby Lindsey , Vidal-Folch Noemi , Oglesbee Devin , Hasadsri Linda , Selcen Duygu , Milone Margherita , Anderson Daniel , Staff Nathan P. 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by homozygous loss of the SMN1 gene with SMN2 gene copy number correlating with disease severity. Rarely SMA is caused by a deletion on one allele and a pathogenic variant on the other. The pathogenic missense variant c.5C&gt;G (p.Ala2Gly) correlates with a mild disease phenotype that does not correlate with SMN2 copy number. In a mouse model the c.5C&gt;G transgene produces SMN that is thought to form partially functional SMN complexes, but levels in humans have not yet been investigated.MethodsWe identified two patients with mild SMA caused by a heterozygous deletion of SMN1 and the heterozygous variant, c.5C&gt;G. Molecular findings were confirmed with deletion/duplication analysis and Sanger sequencing. Skin fibroblasts were collected and cultured, and SMN expression was analyzed using immunofluorescence.ResultsTwo patients with slowly progressing mild weakness were confirmed to have heterozygous pathogenic missense variant c.5C&gt;G and a heterozygous deletion of SMN1. Their clinical presentation revealed much milder disease progression than patients with matched SMN2 copy number. Analysis of the patients’ fibroblasts revealed much higher numbers of SMN nuclear complexes than a patient with a homozygous SMN1 deletion and matched SMN2 copy number.ConclusionsThese case reports reinforce that the rare c.5C&gt;G variant causes mild disease. Furthermore, the analysis of SMA nuclear gems in patient samples supports the theory that the p.Ala2Gly SMN can form partially functional SMN complexes that may carry out essential cellular functions and result in mild disease.
Altered levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-5 depend on the TLR4 rs4986790 genotype in COPD smokers but not those exposed to biomass-burning smoke
Authors: Gutiérrez-Romero Karla Jazmín , Falfán-Valencia Ramcés , Ramírez-Venegas Alejandra , Hernández-Zenteno Rafael De Jesus , Flores-Trujillo Fernando , Sansores-Martínez Raúl , Ramos-Martínez Espiridión , Pérez-Rubio Gloria 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with tobacco smoking and biomass-burning smoke exposure. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may contribute to its pathogenesis. The study aimed to assess the association of rs4986790 and rs4986791 in the TLR4 gene in a Mexican mestizo population with COPD secondary to tobacco smoking (COPD-TS) and biomass-burning smoke (COPD-BBS) and to evaluate whether the genotypes of risk affect cytokine serum levels.Materials and methodsWe enrolled 2,092 participants and divided them into two comparisons according to their environmental exposure. SNPs were genotyped using TaqMan probes. Serum cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and INF-γ) were quantified by ELISA.ResultsThe rs4986790 AA genotype in COPD-TS was associated with a higher COPD risk (OR = 3.53). Haplotype analysis confirmed this association, identifying a block containing the rs4986790 allele (A–C, OR = 3.11). COPD-TS exhibited elevated IL-6, IL-4, and IL-5 levels compared with smokers without COPD (SWOC), whereas COPD-BBS displayed higher IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10 levels. The AA carriers in the COPD-TS group had elevated IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γ compared with carriers of AG or GG.ConclusionThe rs4986790 common allele and the A–C haplotype (rs4986790–rs4986791) were associated with a higher COPD risk in smokers; COPD patients carrying the AA genotype showed increased pro-inflammatory cytokines.
The clinical significance and anti-tumor role of PRKG1 in bladder cancer
Authors: Jin Lu , Chen Ting , Sun Huan , Dai Guangcheng , Yao Qiu , Yuan Feng , Liu Xiaolong , Xue Boxin 
Published: July 2024

IntroductioncGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 (PRKG1) has shown to be associated with some tumorigenesis, while the role of PRKG1 in bladder cancer is unclear.MethodsTo investigate the biological and clinical significance of PRKG1 in bladder cancer, we detected the expression of PRKG1 and explored the function of PRKG1 in bladder cancer cells. The PRKG1 transcripts data was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and immunohistochemistry staining was conducted on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sample tissues. Relationship between clinical characteristics of patients and expression of PRKG1 was analyzed in FFPE samples, TCGA database, and GSE19423 dataset. PRKG1 was over-expressed, and cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and spheroidizing ability were then detected. Chemosensitivity to cisplatin was detected with cell viability, and half-maximal drug inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. In addition, the relation between PRKG1 expression and the infiltration level of tumor immune cells in tumor microenvironment were analyzed.ResultsThe results showed expression of PRKG1 was lower in bladder cancer, compared with normal tissues both at protein and transcript levels. Lower PRKG1 expression was related to higher tumor grade, T stage, and muscle invasion, also predicted worse overall survival and recurrence free survival in patients treated with Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) intravesical immunotherapy. Analysis of tumor immune cells infiltration showed lower PRKG1 was associated with non-inflamed tumor microenvironment.ConclusionThe present study firstly identified the anti-tumor role and tumor immune regulatory role of PRKG1, also found loss of PRKG1 could be used as a prognosis factor. The present study provided a potential biomarker and therapy target to bladder cancer.
Summer marine heatwaves in the tropical Indian Ocean associated with an unseasonable positive Indian Ocean Dipole event 2012
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Wu Gangfeng , Xu Chang , Zhu Xiao-Hua , Long Yu 
Published: July 2024

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are anomalously warm events that profoundly affect climate change and local ecosystem. During the summer of 2012 (June–September), intense MHWs occurred in the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) concurrently with an unseasonable positive Indian Ocean Dipole (pIOD) event. The MHW metrics (duration, frequency, cumulative intensity and maximum intensity) were characterized by northwestward–slanted patterns from west Australia to the Somalia coast. The analysis confirmed that these MHWs were closely associated with the unseasonable pIOD 2012. The weakening of Western North Pacific Subtropical High and strengthening of Australian High in spring induced an interhemispheric pressure gradient that drove two anticyclonic circulation patterns over the eastern TIO. The first anticyclonic circulation featured cross–equatorial wind anomalies from south of Java to the South China Sea/Philippine Sea, which led to strong upwelling off Sumatra–Java during the subsequent summer. The second anticyclonic circulation excited downwelling Rossby waves that propagated from the southeastern TIO to the western TIO. Thus, downwelling in the western pole and upwelling in the eastern pole led to a strong pIOD event peaking in summer, namely, the unseasonable pIOD 2012. These downwelling Rossby waves deepened the thermocline by more than 60 m and caused anomalous surface warming, thereby contributing to the occurrences of MHWs. With the development and peak of the unseasonable pIOD 2012, anomalous atmospheric circulation transported moisture from the TIO to the subtropical Western North Pacific (WNP), favoring a strong cyclonic anomaly that profoundly affected the summer monsoon rainfall over the subtropical WNP. This study provides some perspectives on the role of pIOD events in summer climate over the Indo–Northwest Pacific region.
Microstructure versus topography: the impact of crystallographic substrate modification during ultrashort pulsed direct laser interference patterning on the antibacterial properties of Cu
Authors: Müller Daniel Wyn , Josten Ben , Wältermann Sebastian , Pauly Christoph , Slawik Sebastian , Brix Kristina , Kautenburger Ralf , Mücklich Frank 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Topographic surface patterning in the micro- and nanometer scale has evolved into a well applied approach in surface functionalization following biomimetic blueprints from nature. Depending on the production process an additional impact of process-related substrate modification has to be considered in functional surface optimization. This is especially true in case of antimicrobial applications of Cu surfaces where a modification of the substrate properties might impact bactericidal efficiency.Methods: In this regard, the effect of ultrashort pulsed direct laser interference patterning on the microstructure of pure Cu and resulting antimicrobial properties was investigated alongside line-like patterning in the scale of single bacterial cells.Results and Discussion: The process-induced microstructure modification was shown to play an important role in corrosion processes on Cu surfaces in saline environment, whereas the superficial microstructure impacts both corrosive interaction and ion emission. Surprisingly, antimicrobial efficiency is not predominantly following deviating trends in Cu ion release rates but rather depends on surface topography and wettability, which was shown to be impacted by the substrate microstructure state, as well. This highlights the need of an in-depth understanding on how different surface properties are simultaneously modulated during laser processing and how their interaction has to be designed to acquire an effective surface optimization e.g., to agitate active antimicrobial surface functionalization.