bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of the Dietary Inflammatory Index with Sarcopenia among Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2018
Authors: Ma Miao , Jiang Ting , Li Bin , Liu XiaoXia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
To explore the relationship between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and sarcopenia in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Materials and Methods
This study included population data from the 2013–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The data were screened and organized based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The included population was divided into four groups (Q1-Q4) from low to high according to the quartile method of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and ASM: BMI was calculated to assess sarcopenia. Multivariate logistic regression models, Model 1 and Model 2, with different adjustment factors were established to evaluate the relationship between the DII and sarcopenia.
Results
A total of 2019 subjects were included in the study, with an average age of 49.23 ± 5.67 years. ASM: BMI showed a decreasing trend among the DII Q1-Q4 groups, with statistically significant differences between groups (P < 0.001). According to multivariate logistic regression Model 1 and Model 2, higher DIIs were associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia (Model 1: OR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.35, 3.04], P < 0.001; Model 2: OR = 2.29, 95% CI [1.51, 3.53], P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that the DII had a greater impact on individuals with a BMI < 30 than on those with a BMI ≥ 30, with ORs of 3.24 (95% CI: 1.43–7.33) and 1.85 (95% CI: 1.12–3.04), respectively.
Conclusion
The prevalence of sarcopenia increases with increasing DII. Diet significantly affects muscle mass in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. A diet with a low DII is effective in reducing the occurrence of sarcopenia, especially in menopausal and nonobese women.
CT Texture Analysis of Pediatric Teratomas—Associations with Identification and Grading of Immature Teratoma
Authors: Qi Xinxin , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhao Wen , Teng Songyu , Zhou Guanglun , Zeng Hongwu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Teratomas are categorized into mature teratomas (MT) and immature teratomas (IT) of I-III grades according to content of immature tissues. The existing diagnostic methods are not comprehensive and objective enough. This study aims to utilize computed tomography texture analysis (CTTA) to examine intratumoral components and improve preoperative identification and grading of IT.
Methods
We analyzed the CT features and texture features of intratumoral components in teratomas(MT = 26, IT = 26). To assess intratumoral components' efficacy, logistic regression models were formulated for both MT and IT intergroups, as well as different grades within IT intragroups.
Results
Texture features showed 22, 30, and 43 differential texture features for fat, calcification, and solid components between IT and MT group, respectively (p < 0.05). Within those, neighborhood gray tone difference_ busyness (NGLCM_busyness) feature for solid components in IT group was obviously higher than MT (p = 0.000), with the value being higher in grade II than grade I (p = 0.020). Logistic regression analysis indicated that IT identification efficacy of fat, calcifications, and solid components models were 0.778, 0.774, and 0.976, respectively.
Conclusion
CTTA is an effective method for IT identification and grading, with NGTDM features holding unique value. Among tumor components, the diagnostic value of solid components is the highest.
Navigating genitourinary tuberculosis: lessons from a 2023 case
Authors: Ospina Natalia Ramos , Tello Sofia Alexandra Montes , Vélez John Harold Suarez , Goez José Fernando García 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Genitourinary tuberculosis (GU-TB), an extrapulmonary manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, often presents insidiously, posing diagnostic challenges and leading to progressive tissue destruction, chronic kidney disease, and urogenital dysfunction.
Case presentation: We report a case of a patient initially diagnosed with endometriosis due to dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain. Despite multiple surgical interventions, symptoms worsened. Misdiagnoses of urinary infections resulted in ineffective treatments. Subsequent testing revealed Mtb, prompting a six-month regimen of four-drug therapy (2HRZE/4HR), leading to significant improvement.
Conclusion – take away lesson(s): This case underscores the importance of considering GU-TB in patients with persistent urogenital symptoms, even with initial negative tests. It emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach and consideration of uncommon conditions for successful outcomes in complex scenarios.
Phase transitions, Dirac and WSM states in Mn1−xGexBi2Te4
Authors: Shikin A.M. , Zaitsev N.L. , Estyunina T.P. , Estyunin D.A. , Rybkin A.G. , Glazkova D.A. , Klimovskikh I.I. , Eryzhenkov A.V. , Kokh K.A. , Golyashov V.A. , Tereshchenko O.E. , Ideta S. , Miyai Y. , Iwata T. , Kosa T. , Kuroda K. , Shimada K. , Tarasov A.V. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and density functional theory (DFT), an experimental andtheoretical study of changes in the electronic structure (dispersion dependencies) and corresponding modification of the energyband gap at the Dirac point (DP) for topological insulator (TI) Mn1−xGexBi2Te4 have been carried out with gradual replacementof magnetic Mn atoms by non-magnetic Ge atoms when concentration of the latter was varied from 10% to 75%. It was shownthat when Ge concentration increases then the bulk band gap decreases and reaches zero plateau in the concentration range of45%–60% while non-topological surface states (TSS) are present and exhibit an energy splitting of 100 and 70 meV in differenttypes of measurements. It was also shown that TSS disappear from the measured band dispersions at a Ge concentrationof about 40%. DFT calculations of Mn1−xGexBi2Te4 band structure were carried out to identify the nature of observed banddispersion features and to analyze a possibility of magnetic Weyl semimetal state formation in this system. These calculationswere performed for both antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) ordering types while the spin-orbit coupling (SOC)strength was varied or a strain (compression or tension) along the c-axis was applied. Calculations show that two differentseries of topological phase transitions (TPTs) may be implemented in this system depending on the magnetic ordering. At AFMordering transition between TI and trivial insulator phase goes through the Dirac semimetal state, whereas for FM phase suchroute admits three intermediate states instead of one (TI — Dirac semimetal — Weyl semimetal — Dirac semimetal — trivialinsulator). Weyl points that form in FM system along the ΓZ direction annihilate when either the SOC strength decreases or asufficient tensile strain is applied, which is accompanied by the corresponding TPTs. Model calculations of local magneticordering influence in AFM Mn1−xGexBi2Te4 was carried out by alternating Mn layers and Ge-doped layers and showed that themagnetic Weyl semimetal state in this system is reachable at a Ge concentration of approximately 40% without application ofany external magnetic fields
Inverse initial value problem for space-time fractional diffusion equations
Authors: BenSalah Mohamed 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This paper addresses an inverse problem associated with a space-time fractional diffusion equation, specifically focusing on the task of recovering the initial condition using additional final data. Through the application of the eigenfunction expansion method, we establish the well-posedness of this inverse problem in the Hadamard sense. Our analysis confirms the existence of a unique solution for the initial inverse problem and highlights the possibility of recovering the unknown term with Lipschitz stability. To further illustrate the effectiveness of our approach, we present several numerical examples that showcase its accuracy and efficiency.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification: 34M50, 65M32, 26A33, 34A45.
The efficacy of a novel porcine-derived collagen membrane on guided bone regeneration: A comparative study in canine model
Authors: Nguyen Anh Thi Mai , Landao-Bassonga Euphemie , Kontogiorgos Elias D. , Lee Clair , Cheng Tak , Ngo Hien Chi , Allan Brent , Goonewardene Mithran , Opperman Lynne A. , Zheng Minghao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the novel Striate+™ collagen membrane in a canine model of guided bone and tissue regeneration (GBR) with dental implant placement.
Methods:Eighteen mature beagle dogs were used in this split-mouth design study. After having their premolar extracted, immediate implants with GBR techniques were carried out on all study subjects. The study treatments were: control group (implant + no membrane); BG-group (implant + Bio-Gide® membrane); and SG-group (implant + Striate+™ membrane). Six dogs were sacrificed at 4-, 8- and, 12-weeks post-treatment for radiographic (μCT) assessment, histological examination and histomorphometric analysis.
Results: μCT assessment showed that all groups exhibited increased bone formation from 4-weeks to 12-weeks post-treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in mean BV/TV between all 3 groups at weeks 4 and 8. But at week 12, BV/TV was significantly higher in SG and BG-groups compared to control group. Assessment of bone microarchitectural parameters showed that animals in SG-group exhibited significantly higher Tb.N, O.Wi and lower Tb.Sp, suggesting more favorable mature bone structure. A significant increase in the number of osteoblasts on bone surface was also seen in SG-group. Histological assessment showed that SG-group displays early signs of bone-to-implant contact at 8 weeks. While control sites showed early ingrowth of epithelium and connective tissue into the defects, infiltration of inflammatory cells, incomplete bone formation and limited bone to implant contact; significant bone infill, mature bone with good implant contact and limited soft tissue invasion were observed in SG- and BG- groups.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated superiority of Striate+™ collagen membrane in GBR and prevention of unwanted epithelial infiltration in a canine model.
Laboratory evolutions lead to reproducible mutations in PDR3 conferring resistance to MCHM
Authors: Ayers Michael C. , Momtareen Taizina , Patriarcheas Dionysios , McCarthy Liam , Judge Daniel , Poziviak Seth , Leombruno Griffen , Quinn Makaela , Wonsettler Natalie , Lowery Camryn , McCulloch Sarah , Dale Nathan , Jonas Felix , Gallagher Jennifer E. G. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The solubility of protein complexes and membraneless compartments is maintained by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Phase transition is induced or dissolved by biological hydrotropes such as ATP and RNA. 4-methylcyclohexane methanol (MCHM), an alicyclic alcohol, is a synthetic hydrotrope that induces a starvation response by upregulation of biosynthetic pathways despite the availability of nutrients. To investigate how cellular metabolism can tolerate changes in LLPS, we evolved eight MHCM-resistant strains of S. cerevisiae. We identified thousands of SNPs and indel variants per strain, which was a consistent number between strains that evolved resistance and control strains that remained sensitive. These variants did not show a pattern that would cluster resistant strains together. The many background mutations likely masked any pattern from few large-effect loci or implicated an epistatic effect of many small mutations spread throughout the genome that was undetectable. Among coding variants in the strains that change protein sequence and thereby may alter function, only one gene showed a protein-coding mutation in every resistant strain while showing no variants at all in the control strains. This gene, PDR3, controls transcription for the pleiotropic drug response and is the most significant driver of adaptive MCHM resistance in yeast. While many of the evolved alleles of PDR3 would likely produce functional proteins, a knockout in the parent YJM789 strain was sufficient to produce resistance to MCHM. Normal catabolism of amino acids uses the Pleiotropic Drug Response (PDR) pathway to export breakdown products. The pdr3 resistance is mediated through Med15, a component of the Mediator complex which regulates activation by transcription factors of RNA pol II. Pdr3 can homodimerize or dimerize with Pdr1, another transcription factor and loss of Pdr1 also confers MCHM resistance. Knockouts of other mutated genes in flocculation, glutathione, SAM, and sugar transport mildly affected growth in the ancestral strain. Mutations in PDR3 are first known to increase resistance to this novel hydrotropic chemical.
Combined self-potential and electromagnetic imaging provides insights into the spatial variation of wetland soil hydro-biogeochemical properties
Authors: Doro Kennedy O. , Kolapkar Amar , Emmanuel Efemena Destiny 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study assesses the innovative use of self-potential (SP) combined with electromagnetic imaging and direct soil properties measurements for characterizing the distribution of wetland soil organic matter (SOM), soil moisture content (SMC), and redox potential (EH). SP distributions were measured using a high-impedance multimeter, Cu-CuSO4 non-polarizing electrodes, and a fixed reference electrode approach at two wetlands in northwest Ohio. The SP data were compared with laboratory measurements of SMC and SOM on 16 soil samples and 95 direct field measurements of EH and SMC. Soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) and magnetic susceptibility (MSa) were also acquired along co-located transects with the SP to assess the source strength of the SP and to aid the interpretation of the SP signals. Results of this study show variation in SP magnitude of up to 45 mV over 400 m in the wetlands. Negative SP anomalies were observed around areas with drainage tiles with preferential infiltration. The measured SP correlates with SOM, SMC, and EH, with R2 values of 0.67, 0.51, and 0.74. A combination of SP signals with soil electrical conductivity produced current density cross-sections, which provided information on the depth and intensity of the source charges generating the SP signals. Regions with high ECa and low SP signals show corresponding low MSa interpreted as anaerobic reducing zones. These results show the existence of natural potential gradients within wetland soils related to electrokinetic and electrochemical effects and validate SP as a useful complementary technique for characterizing wetland soils and monitoring their biogeochemical functioning.
A computational model of behavioral adaptation to solve the credit assignment problem
Authors: Clymer Roy , Namjoshi Sanjeev 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The adaptive fitness of an organism in its ecological niche is highly reliant upon its ability to associate environmental or internal stimuli with behavioral responses through reinforcement. This simple but powerful approach has been successfully applied in computational neuroscience and reinforcement learning to model both human and animal behaviors. However, a critical challenge faced by these models is the credit assignment problem, in which the association between past behavior and a delayed reinforcement signal must be considered. In this paper, we reformulate the credit assignment problem to consider how past stimuli are linked to adaptive behavioral responses in a simple neuronal circuit. We propose a biologically plausible variant of a spiking neural network, which can model a wide variety of behavioral, learning, and evolutionary phenomena. Our model suggests one fundamental mechanism for associating a behavior with an adaptive response that may be used in the brains of both simple and complex organisms. Our results show the model's versatility and biological plausibility in a number of tasks related to classical and operant conditioning, including behavioral chaining. Additionally, we present simulations to demonstrate how adaptive behaviors such as reflexes and simple category detection may have evolved using our model. Our results indicate the potential for further modifications and extensions of our model to replicate more sophisticated and biologically plausible behavioral, learning, and intelligence phenomena found throughout the animal kingdom.
Neurokine fam19a5a/tafa5a regulates anxiety-like behaviors in zebrafish
Authors: Jeong Inyoung , Kim Seong Soon , Kim Hwan-Ki , Bae Myung Ae , Seong Jae Young , Park Hae-Chul 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Anxiety refers to emotional responses triggered by discrete environmental factors that lead to defensive behaviors. Although the neural circuits underlying anxiety behaviors have been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms involved in anxiety remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored the role of fam19a5a, a zebrafish ortholog of the human FAM19A5 gene encoding a secreted peptide, in anxiety responses. We conducted gene expression and behavioral analyses. Additionally, we measured the brain neuronal activity and analyzed the transcriptomes to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the function of fam19a5a in anxiety-like responses. Gene expression analyses revealed a broad expression of zebrafish fam19a5a in anxiety-associated brain regions, including the septum, pallial amygdala, and habenula. Using multiple behavioral paradigms and genetic models for loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies, we demonstrated that loss of fam19a5asignificantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors, unlike those previously reported in Fam19a5 knockout mice. Moreover, neuronal overexpression of fam19a5a diminished anxiety-like responses. Neuronal activity analysis revealed altered activity in the septum, pallial amygdala, and habenula in the fam19a5a-knockout brain, without changes in neurotransmitter levels. However, elevated neuronal activity was observed in the preoptic area of the neuronal fam19a5a-overexpressing brain. Transcriptomic analyses revealed upregulation of anti-inflammatory chemokine/cytokine levels and downregulation of pro-inflammatory factor levels in both fam19a5a-knockout and neuronal fam19a5a-overexpressing brains. In summary, our findings suggest that fam19a5a regulates anxiety-like behaviors in zebrafish by modulating the anti-inflammatory chemokine/cytokine signaling pathways.
Impact of Momordica charantia Phytocompounds against AChE Associated with Neurodegenerative Diseases: In-silico Approaches.
Authors: Mohanty Sanjib Kumar , Nayak Yashaswi , Sahoo Lopamundra 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The bioactive phyto-components of Momordica charantia L. demonstrate significant therapeutic potential against the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme, which is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. In this study, we utilized computational tools to screen the essential bioactive compounds of Momordica charantia L. against AChE. Docking results revealed that among the 19 phytocompounds analyzed, Ajmalacine, Alkaloid AQC2, Alkaloid SP-K, Steroid U, and quinine exhibited high binding affinities towards AChE. Ligand-protein binding interactions indicated that these selected compounds showed excellent interaction with AChE, with binding scores ranging from −11.0 kcal/mol to −9.1 kcal/mol. additionally, drug-likeness scores suggest that quinine and Steroid U are suitable as drug-like molecules. Our findings indicate that quinine and Steroid U have potential as therapeutic agents in the development of anti-AChE drugs for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
The Effect of Storage Time on the Levels of Phthalates in Extemporaneous Preparations in Ghana
Authors: Adu Abenaa Owusuwaa , Ayensu Isaac , Brobbey Abena Amponsaa , Bekoe Samuel Oppong , Azanu David , Boateng Joshua 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The safety and quality of pharmaceutical products can be affected by chemical contaminants that migrate into them, depending on the type and composition of the packaging material. The migration of phthalates during manufacturing of plastics poses potential significant health concerns. This research aims to provide insight into factors driving phthalate migration and propose strategies for reducing its occurrence in extemporaneous preparations in Ashanti region, Ghana. Factors such as storage time and migration kinetics over two years were investigated to understand their impact on phthalate levels in Mist Senna Co (MSC), Mist Potassium Citrate (MPC), Mist Magnesium Trisilicate (MMT) and Mist Expectorant Sedative (MES). The samples were analysed using reverse phase – High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) with Photodiode array (PDA) detection. A gradient elution using acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid at a detection wavelength of 235 nm and a flow rate of 1 mL/min was employed. As the storage time increased, the levels of the phthalates increased. The migration of phthalates was influenced by the duration the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle was in contact with the content of the bottle. The highest migration rate per week for all the phthalates was observed in diethylhexyl phthalate with the highest level being 19 µg/L in MMT, 16 µg/L in MSC, 12 µg/L in MES and 8.3 µg/L in MPC. The finding emphasizes the significance of implementing optimized storage time in reducing phthalate exposure in extemporaneous preparations in Ghana. This study could contribute to enhancing the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products in Ghana.
Exploring the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Childhood Asthma: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Subgroup Analysis
Authors: Alotaibi Nemer , Alotaibi Khalid , Alhabeeb Habeeb , alsulais shahad A , Rehman Naureen , Tahir Hasan Nawaz 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Childhood asthma is influenced by various factors, including lifestyle choices such as physical activity (PA). This study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the association between PA and childhood asthma, with subgroup analyses based on sex, socioeconomic status, parental education, and BMI.
Methods
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the association between physical activity (PA) and childhood asthma across 22 studies, irrespective of geographic location. Searches were conducted in the Medline, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases through manual searches. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies. Among the included studies, 17 were cross-sectional, 4 were cohort studies, and 1 was a case‒control study.
Results
The meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies revealed no significant association between physical activity and childhood asthma, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84–1.36) and considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 82%). However, a cohort study demonstrated a significant association, with a pooled relative risk (RR) of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.11–1.17). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant association between low socioeconomic status (SES) and parental education and greater odds of asthma among children. All included studies were rated as moderate to good quality based on the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale.
Conclusion
Although no overall association was found, targeted interventions promoting PA in children at higher asthma risk, especially those with low socioeconomic status, parental education, or BMI, could help mitigate the burden of asthma in childhood.