bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the relationship between dietary acid load and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes: a case–control study
Authors: Güngör Sedef , Saka Mendane 
Published: August 2024

BackroundDiets high in dietary acid load are thought to be associated with metabolic diseases. However, the number of studies examining the relationship between dietary acid load and metabolic diseases in Turkey is insufficient. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cardiovascular disease risk factors and dietary acid load in individuals with type 2 diabetes.Materials and methodsIn this case–control study, 51 participants aged 30–65 years with type 2 diabetes and 59 participants in the control group were included. Blood pressure and biochemical findings were measured. Anthropometric measurements and body composition measurements were made. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day (1 day on weekends, 2 days on weekdays) food consumption record. Dietary acid load scores, including potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP), were calculated based on dietary intake. NEAP and PRAL scores were categorized as low and high according to the median value. Smoking status, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), trigylceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to- height ratio (WtHR), hemoglobin and fat mass (%) were evaluated as cardiovascular risk factors.ResultsThe cut-off values of PRAL and NEAP were 3.61 and 44.78 mEq/d, respectively. After adjustment for various covariates, a significant positive association between PRAL and TG levels was observed in the diabetic group [odds ratio (OR), 5.98; 95% CI, 1.45–24.67; p = 0.013]. In contrast, a negative association was found between PRAL and SBP in the control group [odds ratio (OR), 0.21; 95% CI, 0.05–0.83; p = 0.026]. However, these associations were not observed for NEAP values in either group.ConslusionsA higher PRAL value was consistently associated with higher TG level, but other cardiovascular risk factors were not. More longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to better establish a causal effect between dietary acid load and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with diabetes.
Systematic review and meta-analysis for the proximal junctional kyphosis in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Zhao Jian , Huang Chen , Liu Yifei , Liu Da , Liao Dongfa 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThe risk factors of PJK (proximal junctional kyphosis) related to AIS (adolescent idiopathic scoliosis) are inconsistent due to heterogeneity in study design, diagnostic criteria, and population. Therefore, the meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the factors affecting PJK after posterior spinal fusion for AIS patients.MethodsWe implemented a systematic search to obtain potential literature relevant to PJK in AIS surgery. Then, a meta-analysis was performed to assess the incidence of PJK and its risk factors.ResultsWe retrieved 542 articles, and 24 articles were included. The PJK incidence was 17.67%. The use of hooks at UIV (upper instrumented vertebrae) (p = 0.001) could prevent PJK. Before surgery, the larger TK (thoracic kyphosis) (p &lt; 0.001), GTK (global thoracic kyphosis) (p &lt; 0.001), and LL (lumbar lordosis) (p &lt; 0.001) were presented in the PJK group. Immediately post-operatively, in the PJK group, the following parameters were higher: TK (p = 0.001), GTK (p &lt; 0.001), LL (p = 0.04), PJA (proximal junctional angle) (p &lt; 0.001), and PJA-RCA (rod contouring angle) (p = 0.001). At the final follow-up, the following parameters were higher in the PJK group: TK (p &lt; 0.001), GTK (p &lt; 0.001), LL (P &lt; 0.001), and PJA (P &lt; 0.001). Sub-group analysis detected that before surgery, the following parameters were larger in the PJK group: TK (p &lt; 0.001), LL (p = 0.005), and PJA (p = 0.03) in Lenke type 5 AIS patients. Immediately post-operatively, in the PJK group, the following parameters were higher: TK (p &lt; 0.001), LL (p = 0.005), and PJA (p &lt; 0.001). At the final follow-up, the following parameters were higher in the PJK group: TK (p &lt; 0.001), LL (p &lt; 0.001), and PJA (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe individuals with larger preoperative TK were more susceptible to PJK, and PJA was mainly influenced by the adjacent segments rather than the whole sagittal alignment. Using hooks or claws at UIV should prevent PJK.
Case Report: Thoracoscopic treatment of infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration and intrathoracic kidney associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Guo Rui , Dong Chunhua , Zhai Yunpeng , Zhao Huashan , Lv Longfei , Zhang Shisong 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundCongenital pulmonary sequestration is a rare lung anomaly that can be classified as intralobar pulmonary sequestration or extralobar lung sequestration (ELS). Infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration is a rare type of ELS. Furthermore, intrathoracic kidney (ITK) is a rare disease that can be associated with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CHD) in 0.25% of cases. We report the first case of infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration and ITK associated with CDH in a child.Case report and managementThe patient, male, aged 6 months, visited our hospital 2 months prior due to shortness of breath. Based on chest ultrasonography and enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination, infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration and ITK were considered to be associated with CDH. The patient was admitted to our hospital for treatment. After admission, his blood pressure was 85/61 mmHg, there was no hematuria or proteinuria, creatinine was 14 µmol/L, and urea nitrogen was 2.96 mmol/L, all of which showed no abnormalities. A complete preoperative examination was performed prior to surgical treatment. Thoracoscopy revealed that the right kidney had herniated into the chest cavity on the posterolateral side of the diaphragm. The right kidney was returned to the abdominal cavity, the hernia sac was opened, and a bright red lesion tissue with clear boundaries and an abnormal blood vessel supply was observed. After cutting off the abnormal blood vessels, LigaSure TM was used to remove the diseased tissue, and the renal fat sacs and renal tissue were visible. Intermittent suturing of the hernia ring was performed to seal the diaphragmatic hernia. Postoperative pathological examination revealed infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration. The postoperative recovery of the patient was smooth, and a chest CT scan at 2 months showed that the right kidney had returned to the abdominal cavity and the right diaphragm was in the normal position.ConclusionInfradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration and ITK associated with CDH is extremely rare. A diagnosis and appropriate surgical planning can be developed using enhanced CT. For infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration located at the top of the hernia sac in CHD, thoracoscopic resection of the infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration and repair of the diaphragmatic hernia is feasible and effective.
Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols do not further increase jumping performance beyond warm-up effects: findings from three acute randomized crossover trials
Authors: Rappelt Ludwig , Held Steffen , Wiedenmann Tim , Micke Florian , Donath Lars 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) cannot be clearly distinguished from and may be explained in large by warm-up effects. To disentangle PAPE from a systemic warm-up effect, we conducted three randomized crossover trials (RCT).Methods: Each RCT consisted of a familiarization/one-repetition-maximum (1RM) assessment session followed by two interventional sessions (random order). In Study I, 18 participants (age: 26 ± 4 years; height: 1.84 ± 0.06 m; mass: 83.7 ± 8.7 kg; Squat-1RM: 146 ± 19 kg) performed either a 3-s isometric squat at 130%1RM or a 6-s isometric squat at 65%1RM. In Study II, 28 participants (11 female; age: 23 ± 3 years; height: 1.77 ± 0.08 m; mass: 76.5 ± 10.4 kg; Squat-1RM: 109 ± 38 kg) completed either Squat (3 × 3 repetitions, 85%1RM) or local electromyostimulation of the quadriceps muscle (85% of individual pain threshold). In Study III, 20 participants (6 female, age: 25.0 ± 3.5 years, mass: 78.5 ± 15.8 kg, height: 1.75 ± 0.08 m; SQ-1RM: 114 ± 33 kg, chest-press-1RM: 74 ± 29 kg) performed either squats or chest press (4 repetitions, 80%1RM). Counter-Movement-Jump height (CMJ) was assessed after a general (PRE) and/or muscle-specific warm-up (POST_WU) and for up to 11 min after the PAPE protocols. To identify possible differences in CMJ between the experimental conditions, mixed-design ANOVA models were used for each study individually, with condition and time modelled as fixed effects, while participants were included as a random effect blocking factor. The level of statistical significance was set at α = 5%.Results: In studies I and II, significant effects for time (p &lt; 0.05, ωp2 = 0.06 and p &lt; 0.001, ωp2 = 0.43) were found with the highest CMJ compared to all other time points at PRE (≤8.2 ± 4.6%, standardized mean difference: ≤0.39), regardless of condition. In study III, no significant effects were observed.Discussion: Thus, PAPE protocols do not further improve jumping performance compared to a general and muscle-specific traditional warm-up. Prior to tasks requiring explosive strength, general and sport-specific warm-up strategies should be used.
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with Bosu ball training on the injury potential during drop landing in people with chronic ankle instability
Authors: Huang Xueke , Gao He , Fu Haitao 
Published: August 2024

PurposeTo investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with Bosu ball training on the injury potential during drop landing in people with chronic ankle instability (CAI).MethodsA total of 40 participants with CAI were recruited and randomly divided into the tDCS + Bosu and Bosu groups. The people in the tDCS + Bosu group received intervention of tDCS combined with Bosu ball training, and those in the Bosu group received intervention of sham tDCS and Bosu ball training, for 6 weeks with three 20-min sessions per week. Before (week0) and after (week7) the intervention, all participants drop-landed on a trap-door device, with their affected limbs on a moveable platform, which could be flipped 24° inward and 15° forward to mimic an ankle inversion condition. The kinematic data were captured using a twelve-camera motion capture system. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to analyze data.ResultsSignificant group-by-intervention interactions were detected in the peak ankle inversion angular velocity (p = 0.047, η2p = 0.118), the time to peak ankle inversion (p = 0.030, η2p = 0.139), and the plantarflexion angle at the moment of peak ankle inversion (p = 0.014, η2p = 0.173). Post hoc comparisons showed that compared with week0, the peak ankle inversion angular velocity and the plantarflexion angle at the moment of peak ankle inversion were reduced, the time to peak ankle inversion was advanced in both groups at week7, and the changes were greater in the tDCS + Bosu group compared to the Bosu group. And, a significant intervention main effect was detected in the peak ankle inversion angle in the two groups (p &lt; 0.001, η2p = 0.337).ConclusionCompared with the Bosu ball training, the tDCS combined with Bosu ball training was more effective in reducing the injury potential during drop landing in people with CAI.
A quick and effective trait-based protocol for selecting appropriate native plant species for the reforestation of degraded tropical mines
Authors: Xu Changbin , Zhang Hui , Yang Huai , Chen Cui , Wang Chen 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionA critical issue in tropical forests is that anthropogenic deforestation (i.e., mining) degrades the integrity of its ecosystem. Reforestation with appropriate native plant species helps to alleviate these detrimental impacts. A protocol to select appropriate plant species for this purpose currently lacks efficacy and timeliness.MethodsWe provided a trait-based protocol to quickly and effectively select native plant species for mining reforestation. A 0.2-km2 area of Baopoling (BPL) at Hainan Island, China, was used as a study site, which has been severely degraded by 20 years of limestone mining for cement production. First, we identified the tree species in nearby undisturbed tropical forests, followed by evaluating the similarities in functional traits of the most dominant one (target species) and 60 local candidate native plant species (candidate species) whose saplings can be purchased from a local market.Results and discussionThis dataset was used in our trait-based protocol, and only within 1 month, we successfully selected eight plant species which are very similar to target species from the 60 candidate species. We also quantified whether the eight selected plant species were indeed suitable for sustained reforestation by testing their effects on landscape and also their survival rate and recruitment ability after using them to perform reforestation in BPL from 2016 to 2023. Finally, these eight plant species are indeed suitable for reforestation due to their huge influences on a significant shift from originally degraded landscape (comprising only barren rocks) to a forest landscape totally and also their high survival rate (90%–97%) and ability for natural recruitment after 7 years’ reforestation in BPL. Thus, we anticipate that this protocol would be integral to species selection during reforestation of tropical mining areas.
Acceptability, engagement, and preliminary efficacy of a college human physiology course with integrated mindfulness practice to support student wellbeing
Authors: Zhang Zhuoya , Lưu Brother Chân Pháp , Gilbert-Diamond Diane 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate the acceptability of and engagement with an undergraduate human physiology course embedded with mindfulness practice. To assess its preliminary efficacy on student mindfulness and wellbeing.MethodsStudents (N = 36, 17% freshman, 33% sophomore, 22% junior, and 28% senior) answered online surveys at course completion. Primary outcomes were course ratings, assignment and assessment completion rates, minutes, types of mindfulness practice, changes in trait mindfulness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS), and self-reported wellbeing outcomes. We ran Chi-square goodness of fit tests and paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to decide if the outcomes differed significantly post-class. We tested the dose-response relation between mindfulness practice time and trait mindfulness and whether the out-of-class practice time was consistent across the weeks with generalized linear mixed-effect models.ResultsAll participants reported finding the course enjoyable and that they would recommend it to their friends. They practiced for an average of 66 (SD = 27) min per week in the class and 112 (SD = 59) min on their own. The most common out-of-class practices were mindful movements, sitting meditation, and breathing. Per self-reports, the course increased student understanding of specific mindfulness practices and appreciation for their body. It improved wellbeing and trait mindfulness (MAAS mean within-person change = 1.2, SD = 0.8, p &lt; 0.00001). We found no does-response relation between practice time and trait mindfulness.ConclusionsThis pilot study supports that incorporating mindfulness practice into college-level courses may promote student wellbeing and such approaches warrant further investigation.
Do lifestyle and hormonal variables explain links between health and facial attractiveness?
Authors: Arnocky Steven , Davis Adam C. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionFacial attractiveness has recently been considered an indicator of underlying immunocompetence. However, studies examining this relationship have yielded mixed findings. Previous research suggested that these discrepant findings could be due to the common influence of lifestyle factors upon both rated facial attractiveness and health.MethodsYoung men (N = 162) provided standardized facial photos with a neutral expression subsequently rated by eight women for overall attractiveness. Saliva was assayed for immunoglobulin A, testosterone (T) and cortisol (C), and body fat was measured using a skinfold caliper. Self-reports of poor health, and lifestyle factors that could influence health status (age, sleep habits, smoking, drinking alcohol, family stress, and exercising) were collected.ResultsResults showed that symptoms of poor health and skinfold negatively predicted facial attractiveness. There was a modest but statistically non-significant T x C interaction where higher T lower C men trended toward having more attractive faces. A sequential mediation model examining the influence of lifestyle showed support for an indirect effect on facial attractiveness. Specifically, skinfold and poor health symptoms mediated the links between exercise, stress, and facial attractiveness.DiscussionThese findings suggest links between facial attractiveness and immunocompetence could be linked to some common lifestyle and hormonal variables, but that more comprehensive research involving lifestyle indicators (such as nutrition) are necessary.
Placing the leading limb closer to an obstacle reduces collision of the trailing limb: an investigation in a virtual environment
Authors: Hakamata Tomoki , Sakazaki Juntaro , Higuchi Takahiro 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionWhen walking and stepping over an obstacle of a certain height, tripping occurs more frequently with the trailing limb than the leading limb. The present study was designed to address whether collisions involving the trailing limb can be improved with experimental manipulation of the placement of the leading limb after stepping over an obstacle. We used an immersive, virtual obstacle-crossing task to ensure that the collision was not improved simply due to the experience of physical collision with an obstacle.MethodsFourteen young participants (12 males and 2 females, 28.7 ± 3.5 years) were required to walk and step over a virtual horizontal pole under one of four conditions. In three conditions, participants were required to place their leading foot on a square target located along their walking path after crossing the obstacle. The target was positioned so that it was relatively close to the obstacle (10 cm from the obstacle, referred to hereafter as the closer condition), at a position that would naturally be stepped on in successful trials without a collision (20 cm from the obstacle, the middle condition), or relatively far from the obstacle (40 cm from the obstacle, the farther condition). For the fourth condition, participants were free to select where they would step after stepping over the obstacle (the control condition).Results and discussionThe results showed that the collision rate of the trailing limb was significantly lower under the closer condition than under the other three conditions. Compared to the control condition, under the closer condition the movement of the trailing limb was modified so that obstacle crossing was performed at approximately the moment when the height of the toe of the trailing limb was higher, and the walking speed was slower. These findings suggest that placing the foot of the leading limb closer to the obstacle after crossing the obstacle may ensure safe obstacle avoidance by the trailing limb.
Analysis of pork price fluctuations during the special era when African swine fever and COVID-19 epidemic coexisted: an empirical study in Macau, China
Authors: Xu Fang , Ni Xiaoyong , Liu Kai , Wang Ming , Tan Kangye , Hu Jun 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionEmergent crises can have a catastrophic impact on regional economic systems. The concurrent outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) and the COVID-19 pandemic have severely affected Macau’s pork industry, making it an interesting case study for analyzing the effects of simultaneous emergent crises on food prices.MethodsThe study utilized a comprehensive dataset spanning from March 30, 2018, to April 15, 2022. The analysis employed the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) method to decompose the pork price data into high-frequency, low-frequency, and trend components, while the Bai-Perron test pinpointed key events and regulatory interventions affecting pork prices.ResultsThe findings revealed that short-term market fluctuations had a limited impact on pork price dynamics, with primary drivers being long-term and low-frequency emergencies. The Bai-Perron test identified four significant emergencies or regulatory policies as critical turning points, segmenting the price series into five distinct phases. The results highlight the importance of considering long-cycle emergencies when assessing their impact on food prices and underline the need for more resilient agricultural supply chains.DiscussionThe study provides insights into how compounded emergent crisis threats impact market behavior and offers policy recommendations for enhancing market stability. Recommendations include strengthening cross-regional epidemic control, investing in vaccine research, optimizing cold chain logistics, updating legal frameworks, and improving emergency preparedness. The implications of these findings are relevant for similar regions facing concurrent health and economic crises, contributing to a better understanding of crisis management and market stability maintenance.