bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between coffee intake and skeletal muscle mass among U.S. adults: a population-based study
Authors: Yin Huangyi , Zhu Wei , Guo Liuqing , Li Weishan , Liang Min 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundA limited number of studies have reported that the possible effects of coffee intake on skeletal muscle mass, but the results have been inconsistently conclusive and there are no large sample studies concerning the U.S. population. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to explore the connection between coffee consumption and skeletal muscle mass in U.S. adults.MethodsThe population for this cross-sectional study was drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018. Appendicular lean mass was accurately obtained from DXA, and skeletal muscle mass was assessed using appendicular skeletal muscle mass adjusted for body mass index (ASMBMI). Coffee and caffeine consumptions were obtained on a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire. Furthermore, the associations between coffee and caffeine intake and skeletal muscle mass were evaluated using three multiple linear regression models and smoothed curve fitting. Subgroup analyses based on age, gender, ethnicity and body mass index (BMI) were performed to assess the robustness of these relationships.ResultsThis cross-sectional survey included a total of 8,333 participants. After adjusting for all covariates, higher intake of coffee, caffeinated coffee, and caffeine was associated with elevated ASMBMI (coffee: β = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.02, P-value &lt; 0.001; caffeinated coffee: β = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.02, P-value &lt; 0.001; caffeine: β = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.04, P-value &lt; 0.001). Meanwhile, smoothed curve fitting showed that coffee, caffeinated coffee, and caffeine intake were linearly and positively associated with ASMBMI. After further stratification by sex, age, and ethnicity, the positive relationships between coffee (especially caffeinated coffee) and caffeine intake and ASMBMI were not modified (P for interaction &gt; 0.05). However, these relationships disappeared when the BMI over 30 kg/m2.ConclusionsIn general, consumption of coffee and caffeine is positively associated with skeletal muscle mass. Therefore, an appropriate increase in coffee and caffeine intake may be advocated in populations at high risk for low skeletal muscle mass.
Breeding in bread-making wheat varieties for Mediterranean climate: the need to get resilient varieties
Authors: Maçãs Benvindo , Costa Rita , Gomes Conceição , Bagulho Ana Sofia , Pinheiro Nuno , Moreira José , Costa Armindo , Patanita Manuel , Dores José , Rodrigo Sara 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionBeing one of the “big three” most cultivated cereals in the world, wheat plays a crucial role in ensuring global food/nutrition security, supplying close to 20% of the global needs for calories and proteins. However, the increasingly large fluctuations between years in temperatures and precipitation due to climate change cause important variations in wheat production worldwide. This fact makes wheat breeding programs a tool that, far from going out of fashion, is becoming the most important solution to develop varieties that can provide humanity with the sufficient amount of food it demands without forgetting the objective of quality.Material and methodsThe National Institute of Agricultural and Veterinary Research in Portugal has carried out a long-term experiment (9 years) in different locations to test four different bread-making wheat cultivars, each representing important variations in germplasm. Wheat yield and quality traits obtained by official methods were recorded in 18 different environments regarding temperature and precipitation.Results and discussionAccording to the ANOVA and PCA, protein content, wet gluten, dough tenacity, and extensibility were found to be highly affected by the environment. Paiva cultivar presented a higher yield in almost all the tested environments, but its quality traits varied enormously. Contrary behavior was recorded for Valbona cultivar. Antequera cultivar, with a production ranging between 4.7 and 9.3 tons/ha and a protein content between 11 and 16.8%, seems to be the most resilient cultivar regarding both productivity and quality of the flour with reference to changes in the main climate traits. The most ancient cultivar, Roxo, released in 1996, showed the worst results in this experiment, supporting the need to continue working in wheat breeding to meet the unavoidable changes in the environment.
Platycodon grandiflorum exhibits anti-neuroinflammatory potential against beta-amyloid-induced toxicity in microglia cells
Authors: Ji Yun-Jeong , Kang Min Hye , Kim Geum-Soog , Kim Hyung Don , Jang Gwi Yeong 
Published: August 2024

Background/objectivesPlatycodon grandiflorum (PG) is used in traditional oriental medicine to treat several ailments.MethodsThe study investigated the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of PGW (P. grandiflorum) extract in Aβ25-35-induced inflammation in BV2 microglia cells.ResultPGW demonstrated significant inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production, with reductions of 30.4, 36.7, and 61.2% at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, PGW effectively suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 and exhibited significant inhibitory activity against TNF-α at 200 μg/mL. Furthermore, PGW treatment mitigated apoptosis in Aβ-induced BV2 cells by modulating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, regulating Bcl-2 family protein synthesis, and inhibiting caspase activation. Mechanistically, PGW attenuated the activation of the MAPK (JNK, ERK, p38) pathway induced by Aβ, showing a concentration-dependent decrease in phosphorylation levels of these proteins. Additionally, PGW inhibited the NF-κB pathway activation by reducing the phosphorylation levels of p65 and IκBα in a concentration-dependent manner.ConclusionPGW demonstrated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in Aβ-induced neuronal cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for neuroinflammatory associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Association of US county-level social vulnerability index with breast, colorectal, and lung cancer screening, incidence, and mortality rates across US counties
Authors: Mehta Akhil , Jeon Won Jin , Nagaraj Gayathri 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundDespite being the second leading cause of death in the United States, cancer disproportionately affects underserved communities due to multiple social factors like economic instability and limited healthcare access, leading to worse survival outcomes. This cross-sectional database study involves real-world data to explore the relationship between the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), a measure of community resilience to disasters, and disparities in screening, incidence, and mortality rates of breast, colorectal, and lung cancer. The SVI encompasses four themes: socioeconomic status, household composition &amp; disability, minority status &amp; language, and housing type &amp; transportation.Materials and methodsUsing county-level data, this study compared cancer metrics in U.S. counties and the impact of high and low SVI. Two-sided statistical analysis was performed to compare SVI tertiles and cancer screening, incidence, and mortality rates. The outcomes were analyzed with logistic regression to determine the odds ratio of SVI counties having cancer metrics at or above the median.ResultsOur study encompassed 3,132 United States counties. From publicly available SVI data, we demonstrated that high SVI scores correlate with low breast and colorectal cancer screening rates, along with high incidence and mortality rates for all three types of cancers. County level SVI has impact on incidence rates of cancers; breast cancer rates were lowest in high SVI counties, while colorectal and lung cancer rates were highest in the same counties. Age-adjusted mortality rates for all three cancers increased across SVI tertiles. After risk adjustment, a 10-point SVI increase correlated with lower screening and higher mortality rates.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study establishes a significant correlation between SVI and cancer metrics, highlighting the potential to identify marginalized communities with health disparities for targeted healthcare initiatives. It underscores the need for further longitudinal studies on bridging the gap in overall cancer care in the United States.
Construction of nomogram based on clinical factors for the risk prediction of postoperative complications in children with choledochal cyst
Authors: Lin Yang , Xu Xinru , Chen Shan , Zhang Ling , Wang Jianbin , Qiu Xinyi , Li Lizhi 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to develop a prediction nomogram based on clinical factors to assess the risk of postoperative complications in children with congenital choledochal cyst.MethodsThe clinical data from 131 children who underwent choledochal cyst resection and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in our hospital between January 2016 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The general information, clinical symptoms, procedure, biochemical indicators, and imaging data were recorded. A prolonged hospital stay induced by postoperative complications or a follow-up over 6 months was assessed as the event outcome. A logistics regression analysis was performed to screen for risk factors with statistical significance in inducing postoperative complications. Then, with the dataset split into the training group and internal validation group, the nomogram for the prediction of postoperative complications was developed based on a computer algorithm. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were performed for nomogram verification.ResultsOf 131 children, the multivariate logistics regression analysis suggested that age ≤2 years [odds ratio (OR) 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–5.65; p = 0.938], Todani classification type 1 (OR 36.58; 95% CI 4.14–871.74; p = 0.005), cyst wall thickness &gt;0.4 cm (OR 10.82; 95% CI 2.88–49.13; p &lt; 0.001), with chronic cholecystitis (OR 7.01; 95% CI 1.62–38.52; p = 0.014), and choledochal cyst diameter (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.99–1.03; p = 0.370) were predictors associated with the postoperative complications of choledochal cysts. The data were randomly divided into the training group (n = 92) and internal validation group (n = 39) to build the prediction nomogram including the appeal factors. The accuracy and discrimination of the model were evaluated using a ROC curve and calibration curve. The results showed that the nomogram area under the ROC curve [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.894; 95% CI 0.822–0.966; p &lt; 0.001], validation (AUC = 0.844; 95% CI 0.804–0.952; p &lt; 0.001), and Brier = 0.120 (95% CI 0.077–0.163p; p &lt; 0.001) were indicative of the good stability and calibration of the predictive nomogram.ConclusionThe prognosis of congenital choledochal cysts was associated with multiple aspects of clinical factors. Combined with the internal validation, the novel prediction nomogram was suitable for evaluating the individualized risk of postoperative complications of choledochal cysts. The prediction nomogram could provide a more accurate strategy of procedure and postoperative follow-up for children with choledochal cysts.
Exploring stevioside binding affinity with various proteins and receptors actively involved in the signaling pathway and a future candidate for diabetic patients
Authors: Khan Salman , Ahmad Nisar , Fazal Hina , Saleh Ibrahim A. , Abdel-Maksoud Mostafa A. , Malik Abdul , AbdElgayed Gehad , Jalal Arshad , Rauf Kamran , Ali Liaqat , Ullah Sami , Niqabullah  , Ahmad Sajjad 
Published: August 2024

Introduction and Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and is one of the main global health concerns. Synthetic sugar substrate has many side effects such as leukemia, bladder cancer, hepatotoxicity, breast cancer, headache, and brain toxicity. The WHO and FDA has recently banned some of the synthetic sugar alternatives due to their carcinogenic effects.Objective and Methodology: Therefore, the main objective of the current study was to investigate the safety and binding affinity of Stevioside with Glucose Transpoter-4 (GLUT-4), Akt, Insulin Receptor (IR) and Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 (IRS-1) to confirmed that Stevioside is one the potent natural sweetener/drug for diabetes. This study delves into the molecular interaction between Stevioside and key diabetic proteins: GLUT-4, Akt, IR and IRS-1. A precise molecular docking approach was used to simulate the binding affinity of Stevioside to these proteins. The pharmacokinetic properties of the molecule should be taken into consideration as important variables throughout the virtual screening process.Results: The result of active site analysis of GLUT-4, Akt, IR and IRS-1 showed a zone of 2158.359 Ǻ2, 579.259 Ǻ2, 762.651 Ǻ2, and 152.167 Ǻ2 and a volume of 2765.094 Ǻ³, 355.567 Ǻ³, 686.806 Ǻ³, and 116.874 Ǻ³, respectively. Docking analysis of the Stevioside compound showed the highest docking energy with scores of −9.9 with GLUT-4, −6.7 with Akt, −8.0 with IR and −8.8 with IRS-1. Studies indicated that it remains undigested by stomach acids and enzymes and is not absorbed in the upper small intestine. Further, tests revealed no hepatotoxicity, AMES toxicity, or skin sensitivity, making it a promising candidate for safe consumption as drug metabolism.Conclusion and Recommendations: Instead of other sugar alternatives, Stevioside will help diabetic patients with a lower chance of infections, lowered blood pressure/blood sugar, and increased glucose uptake in diabetic muscles. Stevioside is a natural sweetener, and the current study recommends its usage in various dietary products for diabetic patients.
CKD-497 inhibits NF-kB signaling and ameliorates inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis in ovalbumin-induced asthma and particulate matter-induced airway inflammatory diseases
Authors: Kim Hyejeong , Choi Jihye , Seo Jaeok , Lim Hyungjoon , Kang Sung Kwon 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Air pollution, allergens, and bacterial infections are major contributors to pathological respiratory disorders worldwide. CKD-497, derived from the rhizome of Atractylodes japonica and the fruits of Schisandra chinensis, is known for its ability to relieve cough and facilitate phlegm expectoration. However, its protective action against allergic asthma and fine dust-induced lung inflammation, along with its underlying mechanisms, have not been thoroughly investigated.Methods: In this study, we established mouse models of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma and particulate matter (PM)-induced pulmonary inflammation to evaluate the effects of CKD-497. Mice were administered CKD-497 orally, and various parameters such as airway inflammation, mucus production, and proinflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) were measured. Additionally, the macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was pretreated with CKD-497 and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to assess inflammation via the NF-kB signaling pathway.Results: Oral administration of CKD-497 effectively attenuated airway inflammation and mucus production in both OVA-induced asthma and PM-induced lung inflammation models. It also significantly decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. CKD-497 alleviated leukocyte infiltration, including neutrophils, and reduced fibrillary collagen deposition in PM10-treated mice. In vitro, CKD-497 pretreatment inhibited LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells through the suppression of the NF-kB signaling pathway.Discussion: CKD-497 shows potent anti-inflammatory effects in mouse models of asthma and PM-induced lung inflammation, potentially mediated by the inhibition of the NF-kB pathway. These findings suggest that CKD-497 could serve as a functional supplement to protect against respiratory diseases by mitigating pulmonary and airway inflammation induced by allergens and air pollution.
DaiTongXiao improves gout nephropathy by inhibiting inflammatory response through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Liu Feifan , Bai Yuanmei , Wan Yan , Luo Shifang , Zhang Linao , Wu Xue , Chen Rong , Yin Zili , Xie Yuhuan , Guo Peixin 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Gouty nephropathy (GN) arises from factors like excessive purine intake, metabolic disorders or abnormal synthesis, and uric acid hypersaturation in the blood, leading to urate crystal deposition in kidney tissue. DaiTongXiao (DTX) is a remedy used by the Dai people of China. It shows efficacy in lowering uric acid levels and exhibits anti-inflammatory and kidney-protective properties.Methods: A GN rat model was induced using adenine and potassium oxonate. Following DTX administration, various parameters were assessed in urine, serum, and kidney tissue. Western blot analysis evaluated TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling proteins, while immunofluorescence examined NF-κB nuclear expression.Results: DTX treatment improved kidney morphology, increased body weight, and kidney index and enhanced urinary levels of blood urea nitrogen (Bun), 24-h urinary protein, uric acid (UA), and allantoin in GN rats, reducing UA, Bun, creatinine (Cre), cystatin C (CysC), serum amyloid A (SAA), α1-microglobulin (MG), and β2-MG in serum analysis. Renal tissue assessments showed decreased xanthine oxidase (XOD), hydroxyproline (Hyp), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collage type Ⅳ (COL-Ⅳ). Kidney damage severity was notably reduced. DTX lowered serum inflammatory factors like interleukin (IL) −18, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and IL-1β in the rat serum, reducing chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and adhesion factor vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1). Western blotting demonstrated the downregulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway proteins, and immunofluorescence revealed reduced NF-κB expression in renal tissue.Discussion: DTX exhibits significant anti-GN effects by modulating TLR4/MyD88/ NF-κB pathway protein expression, reducing inflammatory factor release, and inhibiting GN progression.
Religion, personality, or none of them? Exploratory evidence on their correlations with economic preference parameters
Authors: Bessey Donata 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPrevious empirical research in the social sciences suggests sizable differences across religious denominations for various outcomes of interest, such as educational attainment, marital stability, wealth, or fertility. A small body of previous experimental literature has investigated possible differences in economic preference parameters (including time preference and risk attitude) between religious denominations that might explain those differences.MethodsThis research adds to the extant literature on religion and preferences by including information on subjects’ Big Five personality traits and analyzing potential correlations with loss aversion. It combines experimental data from incentivized choices with information on religious affiliation during high school and Big Five personality traits to test for possible correlations of religious denomination with risk attitude, time preference, and loss aversion, using Bayesian analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bayesian regression analysis.ResultsBayesian ANOVA results suggest no preference differences between the religions analyzed in this research. When controlling for Big Five personality traits and a host of other background variables, Bayesian regression results suggest no effects of either religious affiliation or Big Five personality traits measures on the three economic preference parameters analyzed here.DiscussionThese findings highlight the complexity of the relationship between religion, personality traits, and economic preference parameters, suggesting that previously observed differences may be influenced by the preference measures used or other unobserved factors.
Quantitative evaluation of a theoretical-conceptual model based on affective and socio-behavioral dimensions to explain the academic performance of mathematics students
Authors: Marín-Álvarez Felipe , Flores-Prado Luis , Figueroa Oriana , Polo Pablo , Varela Jorge J. , Muñoz-Reyes José Antonio 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThere is evidence that suggests that affective dimensions, personality traits, as well as students’ cooperative interpersonal interactions, are an important element in the students learning process. In this work we propose a theoretical model, based on evidence, that shows the direct and indirect relationships between these factors and academic performance in mathematics courses, in undergraduate and school students.MethodsTo understand the type of relationships between these variables, the PANAS psychometric test of positive and negative affect, the BIG FIVE personality test and the economic decision game DUPLES GAME were applied. The study sample was 130 students between 17 and 22 years of age from undergraduate and school (M ± SD = 20.1 ± 3.99).ResultsFrom a path analysis, statistically significant relationships were found, for example, a direct relationship between neuroticism and positive affect, which in turn is related to academic performance. We also found a direct relationship between neuroticism and negative affect, extraversion and positive affect. This allows us to propose that some of the independent variables of the model directly and indirectly influence the academic performance of students in the subject of mathematics.ConclusionPositive affect and negative affect directly affect academic performance in mathematics, neuroticism has a direct impact on negative affect and extraversion direct impact on positive affect. Consequently, there are direct and indirect relationships between personality traits and affective dimensions, which affect the academic performance of mathematics students.
Allowing time for 8+ hours of sleep: identification and validation of important beliefs using the reasoned action approach
Authors: Tagler Michael J. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe present studies advance research using the Reasoned Action Approach to understand sleep behavior. Identification of the modal salient beliefs that individuals hold regarding their sleep habits is necessary to understand the attitudes, perceived normative pressure, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) that individuals hold.MethodsBelief elicitation (Study 1) and follow-up validation (Study 2) studies of undergraduates at a Midwestern USA university were conducted to identify readily accessible and important beliefs regarding allowing time for 8+ hours of sleep each night.ResultsImportant attitude relevant beliefs included positive effects on mood, thinking, health, and productivity. Important normative beliefs were perceived injunctive pressure from family, health professionals, and significant others. Because of the strong influence of PBC on intentions/behavior, most important were control beliefs about the need for good time management.DiscussionThe present studies increased our understanding why many individuals do not allow time to obtain adequate sleep. Identification of the beliefs that distinguish between those who intend to allow time for adequate sleep and those who do not is a necessary step toward the design of effective interventions to improve sleep duration. The results indicate that a focus on increasing time management skills and PBC may be an effective approach for sleep interventions.