bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Body Fat Percentage in Emirati Females: A Comparative Analysis of BIA vs DXA
Authors: Haroun Dalia , Ehsanallah Aseel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives:
Obesity is a significant health issue in the UAE. Accurate body composition assessment is crucial for managing obesity-related health risks. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement between Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in measuring body fat percentage (%BF) among Emirati females.
Subjects/Methods:
This cross-sectional study involved 95 healthy Emirati females aged 17–27 years. Paired samples t-tests, correlation analyses, and Bland-Altman plots were used to compare the two methods.
Results
BIA significantly underestimated %BF and fat mass (FM) while overestimating fat-free mass (FFM) compared to DXA. The mean difference in %BF was − 14.1% (p < 0.001), and the mean difference in FFM was + 8.2 kg (p < 0.001). Despite strong correlations between BIA and DXA measurements (r = 0.855 for %BF, r = 0.984 for FM, and r = 0.929 for FFM), Bland-Altman plots indicated poor agreement, with wide limits of agreement.
Conclusions
BIA remains valuable for obesity assessment in large-scale studies and clinical settings due to its non-invasive, easy-to-use, and cost-effective characteristics. The results show that the in-built prediction equations cannot adequately predict the %fat, FM, and FFM for this sample. Future research should focus on developing and validating BIA-specific equations tailored for Emiratis.
Emissions from Conventional and Electronic Waterpipes Relative to Cigarettes and a Heated Tobacco Product
Authors: Wilkinson Peter J. , Clarke Anna , Fearon Ian M. , Barry Ronan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Harms associated with tobacco product use, including waterpipe, are due to inhalational exposure to toxicants either present in tobacco or formed during the process of combustion. We assessed levels of 37 toxicants in aerosol emissions from conventional waterpipe heated with different charcoals and also with a heat management device (HMD), from the IQOS heated tobacco product (HTP), and the ‘OOKA’ electronic waterpipe. We also utilised literature data on toxicant yields in 3R4F reference cigarette smoke. When taking use patterns into account, toxicant yields were substantially lower in conventional waterpipe aerosol compared with cigarette smoke. Toxicant yields in electronic waterpipe aerosol were substantially lower than those in conventional waterpipe aerosol, both on a per session basis and when taking typical use patterns into account. Numerous toxicants in conventional waterpipe aerosol were absent in electronic waterpipe aerosol. In summary, during typical use conventional waterpipe emits fewer, and lower levels of, a number of toxicants relative to combustible cigarette smoke. In addition, electronically heating shisha further reduces toxicant levels, and many toxicants are absent in OOKA electronic waterpipe aerosol. These findings have important implications concerning toxicant exposure among waterpipe users, and for understanding how to potentially reduce health risks associated with waterpipe use.
Chemical profiling and clustering of various dried cannabis flowers revealed by volatilomics and chemometric processing
Authors: Janta Pannipa , Vimolmangkang Sornkanok 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Cannabis flower scent is one of the key characteristics of the cannabis plant. The diverse scents impact user experiences and offer medicinal benefits. These scents originate from volatile compounds, particularly terpenes and terpenoids. This study characterized the volatile profile of 19 different dried cannabis flowers using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME-GC-MS). A total of 75 compounds were identified, including alcohols, aldehyde, benzenes, esters, ketone, monoterpenes, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids. Cluster analysis was able to group the 19 cannabis cultivars into five clusters based on volatile chemotypes using chemometric techniques of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Potential discriminant markers of each cultivar were then analyzed using a supervised partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) verified through Variable Importance in Projection values (VIP), identifying twenty discriminant markers. In addition, the correlations among 75 volatile compounds were also obtained. The findings of this study provide a valuable database of single cannabis cultivars, useful for identifying individual strains and verifying their quality. Clustering the cultivars by volatile chemotype can be used for classification of cannabis in the market. The results of this study are expected to be a starting point for further cannabis breeding programs to expand knowledge of this plant. Furthermore, the proposed method is applicable to other aroma plants in the future
Genomic characterization of Volzhskoe tick virus (Bunyavirales) from a Hyalomma marginatum tick, Hungary
Authors: Földvári Gábor , Tauber Zsófia , Tóth Gábor Endre , Cadar Dániel , Bialonski Aleksandra , Szabó Éva , Lanszki Zsófia , Horváth Balázs , Zana Brigitta , Varga Zsaklin , Földes Fanni , Kemenesi Gábor 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Hyalomma marginatum, a vector for the high-consequence pathogen, the Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), needs particular attention due to its impact on public health. Although it is a known vector for CCHFV, its general virome is largely unexplored. Here, we report findings from a citizen science monitoring program aimed to understand the prevalence and diversity of tick-borne pathogens, particularly focusing on Hyalomma ticks in Hungary. In 2021, we identified one adult specimen of Hyalomma marginatum and subjected it to Illumina-based viral metagenomic sequencing. Our analysis revealed sequences of the uncharacterized Volzhskoe tick virus, an unclassified member of the Bunyavirales order. The in silico analysis uncovered key genetic regions, including the glycoprotein and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) coding regions. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship between our Volzhskoe tick virus sequences and other unclassified Bunyavirales species. These related species of unclassified Bunyavirales were detected in vastly different geolocations. These findings highlight the remarkable diversity of tick specific viruses and emphasize the need for further research to understand the transmissibility, seroreactivity or the potential pathogenicity of Volzhskoe tick virus and related species.
Suspect screening of pollutants in rivers around a chemical industrial park in China
Authors: Zhong Daoxu , Li Jiaming , Wang Shui , Bai Lisen , Liu Guangbing , Tao Jingzhong , Liu Wei , Li Mengya 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Chinese chemical companies often cluster in specific regions, leading to concentrated emissions of various chemicals and pollutants, which poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Water samples were collected from the rivers near the chemical industrial park (CIP) in Jiangsu Province, China, and utilized suspect screening to identify pollutants. This study aimed to examine the correlation between these pollutants and those detected in the effluent from the companies or wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) within the CIP, thereby providing a scientific basis for government management decisions. In the rivers surrounding the CIP, over 50 types of pollutants were found, with 26 identified near the river estuary, half of which were pesticides. Analysis indicated that sites closest to the WWTPs discharge outlets exhibited heightened pollutant levels, suggesting the release of challenging-to-treat pollutants into the environment. Additionally, compounds consistent with those used by the companies were detected in rivers without WWTP discharge, underscoring that pollutants originating from CIP enterprises are not solely attributed to wastewater treatment plant discharges. This information underscores the need for comprehensive and effective environmental management and monitoring strategies within chemical industrial parks.
Changes of Choroidal Thickness Varied Due to Different Lunch Break Posture and Refractive
Authors: Ran Guangyao , Luo Zhiwei , Xu Qlinglin , Yang Yuangfang , Longbo Wen , Zeng Ling , Yang Zhikuan , Li Xiaoning 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The choroid is crucial in myopia prevention and control research. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different lunch break postures and refractive errors on choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascular volume (CVV).
Methods
Healthy adult participants underwent a 45-minute lunch break in three different postures on consecutive days: lying lunch break, sitting head-on-arms lunch break, and sitting no lunch break. SS-OCTA measured CT and CVV in the macula before and after each lunch break. Changes in CT were also evaluated across different refractive errors.
Results
Among 40 adults (80 eyes), the average CT change was 11.62µm for lying lunch break, significantly higher than sitting head-on-arms lunch break (2.60µm) and sitting no lunch break (1.39µm) (both p < 0.0001). Average CVV changes were 8.5µm³ for lying lunch break, 1.9µm³ for sitting head-on-arms lunch break, and 1.3µm³ for sitting no lunch break. CT changes strongly correlated with CVV changes (F1,2158 = 306.1, p < 0.0001). During sitting head-on-arms lunch break, CT decreased by 6.00 ± 14.17 µm in the emmetropia and low hyperopia group, significantly different from other groups (all p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
Lying down during lunch breaks is most conducive to choroidal thickening, driven by increased CVV. Sitting head-on-arms may lead to choroidal thinning in people with emmetropia or low hyperopia. When considering the development of myopia in children and adolescents, it is suggested that LLB may serve as a protective factor while sitting head-on-arms lunch break may act as a risk factor.
Optimizing the IMQ model: Deep characterization of the human TLR7 response for early drug development
Authors: Noort Juliette Anne van den , Assil Salma , Ronner Micha Nathaniel , Osse Michelle , Pot Iris , Yavuz Yalçin , Damman Jeffrey , Lubberts Erik , Rissmann Robert , Kolk Tessa Niemeyer- van der , Tomljanovic Ingrid , Jansen Manon Aleida Adriana , Moerland Matthijs 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Imiquimod (IMQ; brand name Aldara®) is a registered topical agent that has been proven to induce local inflammation via the Toll-like receptor (TLR)7 pathway. The purpose of this study was to characterize TLR7-mediated inflammation following 7 days (168h) of topical IMQ exposure in healthy volunteers, and to compare the effects of short exposure (48h-72h) with prolonged exposure (120h-168h).
Methods
IMQ (100mg) was applied under occlusion to 5 different tape-stripped treatment sites on the back of 10 healthy participants for a maximum of 7 consecutive days. Erythema and skin perfusion were measured daily up to 168h. Biopsies for immunohistochemical staining and RNA sequencing were collected at 0h, 48h, 72h, 120h and 168h post IMQ application.
Results
IMQ triggered an inflammatory response starting at 48h after application, including erythema and perfusion of the skin. At the transcriptomic level, IMQ induced TLR7 signalling, IRF involvement and activation of TNF signalling via NF-κB. Furthermore, an enhanced inflammatory response at the cellular level was observed after prolonged IMQ exposure, with cellular infiltration of dendritic cells, macrophages and T cells which was also corroborated by transcriptomic profiles. No difference was found in the erythema and perfusion response after 168h of IMQ exposure compared to 72h.
Conclusion
Prolonged IMQ exposure revealed enhanced cellular responses and additional pathways with modulated activity compared to short exposure and can therefore be of interest as a model for investigational compounds targeting innate and adaptive immune responses.
Computational Exploration of gp63: Unlocking Potential Inhibitors for Leishmaniasis
Authors: Vemula Divya , Jayasurya Perka , Bhandari Vasundhra 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, which belongs to a neglected group of diseases. Limited treatment options and emerging drug resistance has contributed towards morbidity and mortality due to leishmaniasis. Therefore, exploring new therapeutic targets responsible for the pathogen's virulence is a priority to combat the disease. One of the contributing molecular factors to Leishmania virulence and pathogenesis is the metalloprotease glycoprotein 63 (gp63), also known as leishmanolysin or major surface protease (MSP). This metalloprotease is abundant on the parasite's surface in both promastigote and amastigote Leishmania stages. The present study focuses on finding the inhibitors of gp63 using the ChEMBL database, which includes a large, diverse set of 12,00,000 compounds. This study pipeline includes homology modeling, virtual screening, free energy analysis and molecular dynamic simulations to identify the with potential inhibitors of gp63, an important virulence factor of Leishmania species. Fourteen compounds were identified with good docking scores (-11 to -9 kcal/mol) compared to the control Gly2. The stability of the protein-ligand complex was later determined by free energy, which was computed using MM/GBSA. Moreover, molecular dynamic simulations validated the stability of the top seven compounds (Compound 2, Compound 3, Compound 6, Compound 7, Compound 9, Compound 10 and Compound 13 using parameters like root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) and protein-ligand interactions. Thus, these compounds may serve as leads for further in-vitro studies in order to develop potential leishmaniasis chemotherapeutics.
Identification of Maize Leaf Diseases Based on MSDCNeXt Network
Authors: Zeng Weihui , Guo Dandan , Chen Peng , Bao Wenxia , Hu Gensheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The complexity of the backgrounds, significant differences in the scale of the spots, and high similarity between the foregrounds and backgrounds result in low accuracy in identifying maize leaf diseases using existing methods. In the study, a multiscale deep neural network MSDCNeXt is proposed to identify maize diseases and solves this problems. In the MSDCNeXt network, each module constructs receptive fields of different sizes by stacking multiple layers of depthwise separable convolutional layers, improving the network's ability to express features of maize leaf diseases at different scales. CBAM attention mechanism is embedded in the MSDC block, enabling the network to more accurately locate key features of maize leaf diseases and effectively suppress interference from complex backgrounds. In addition, this study used data augmentation methods such as Mixup to further enhance the network's generalization ability.To verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the network in complex environments, we compared it with existing networks. The average identification accuracy of the network was 96.7%, and the proposed network outperformed the existing networks. This study demonstrates the capability for precise identification of images depicting diseases and pests affecting maize, thereby contributing to the development of diagnostic and management solutions for these afflictions in maize.
BPPFL: A Blockchain-Based Framework for Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning
Authors: Asad Muhammad , Otoum Safa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Federated Learning (FL) offers a collaborative approach to training machine learning models while preserving data privacy. However, FL faces significant privacy and security challenges, such as identity disclosure and model inference attacks. To this end, we propose a novel Blockchain-Based Framework for Privacy-Preserving Federated Learning (BPPFL), which integrates threshold signature authentication and threshold Paillier encryption with blockchain technology. The BPPFL framework secures participant authentication and protects against internal and external threats, while the blockchain provides an immutable ledger for recording transactions and model updates, ensuring transparency and security. Experimental results show that our framework significantly reduces computation and communication overhead compared to existing methods while maintaining high model accuracy and robust privacy guarantees. Our framework enhances the security and trustworthiness of FL applications, making it suitable for domains like healthcare, finance, and the IoT.
Trend of Malaria Test Positivity Rate Among Pregnant Women, Savannah Region, Ghana, 2018 – 2022
Authors: Abesig Wadeyir Jonathan , Nindow Joseph Alphonsus Chantiwuni , Bagonluri Annungma C. , Sarfo Adjei Kwabena , Odikro Magdalene Akos , Issahaku Gyesi Razak , Akowah George , Bandoh Delia Akosua , Kenu Ernest , Kubio Chrysantus 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Malaria in a pregnant woman (MiP) remains a serious public health problem due to its negative effects on maternal health, pregnancy outcomes and the cost of healthcare delivery. There have been some successes achieved in the control of malaria globally. However, little is known about the progress made in the control of malaria in pregnancy in the Savannah region. We described the trend of the MiP test positivity rate in the Savannah region of Ghana from 2018 to 2022.
Methods
The study was a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study using data from 2018 to 2022. Data on malaria in pregnancy in the Savannah region was extracted from the DHIMS 2 database and transferred into Microsoft Excel version 19. Descriptive statistical analyses were done. Results were summarised into frequencies and percentages and presented in tables, graphs and maps.
Results
Cumulatively over the study period, the MiP testing rate was 90.8% (46,734/51,479) and 54.5% (25,463/46,734) of pregnant women tested positive. Majority (68.0%) of MiP cases in the region were mothers aged 20–34 years, however, the MiP test positivity rate was highest among mothers aged below 20 years. Bole District had the highest MiP test positivity rate of 70.1% (10,315/14723) and accounted for 40.5% (10,315/25,463) of all MiP cases. There was a decline in the MiP test positivity rate from 60.4–51.6% between 2018 to 2022.
Conclusion
The MiP test positivity rate in the Savannah region is high with disparities among Districts, however, there is an apparent decline over the study period. There is the need to strengthen existing malaria prevention interventions in pregnancy such as the use of SP for IPTp and ITNs to prevent negative maternal and fetal birth outcomes. Public health education programmes could improve the uptake and utilisation of ITNs. Further research should be conducted to unravel the reasons for the disproportionately high MiP test positivity rate in the Bole District to enable preventive measures to be instituted.
The effect of Sauropus androgynus (L) Merr leaves decoction on primiparous colostrum immunomodulatory profile: study of Baliness traditional recepies for lactating mother
Authors: Kurniawan Kadek Agus , Winarsih Sri , Nurdiana  , Andarini Sri , Nurwidyaningtyas Wiwit 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr is a herbal plant that is widely consumed by Baliness lactating women to increase breast milk production and reported have other health benefits including anti-inflammatory effects. Colostrum has essential nutrients to support the newborn's immune system including mucosal barrier maturation, especially immunoglobulin A (IgA). This study conducted to confirm colostrum IgA and IL-5 consentration shiftness during Baliness traditional recipes containing Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr administration. Primiparous mothers between 22 and 30 years of age with uncomplicated atterm vaginal delivery were eligible to participate in the trial. We randomly assigned 34 women to traditional recepies containing Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr treatment for 7 days (intervention group) and 32 were assigned as control group. Colostrum was isolated on the first day postpartum and the seventh day after consumption of Sauropus androgynus (L) Merr, followed by measurement of IgA and IL-5 levels using ELISA. A total of 6 women were unable to provide colostrum at 7 days and not regularly consumed treatment, so 30 women in the intervention group and 30 women in control group were included in teh analysis. Pre-post-test analysis was performed. Consumption of Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr for 7 days significantly increased colostrum IgA concentration better than control (p=0.042) but not significantly reduce IL-5 colostrum concentration (p=0.119). Additionally, lowering IL-5 concentration signficantly correlated with elevating IgA colostrum after treated with Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr (p=0.011). This finding corroborates scientific recommendations regarding another health benefit the Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr as IgA colostrum booster. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of the consumption of Sauropus Androgynus (L) Merr on the IgA composition in mature milk.
Acupuncture at Hegu (IC4) Point Detects Brain Oxygen Supply Disturbances in Patients with Brain Disorders: a fNIRS study on brain oxygen sensing
Authors: Acker Prof.Dr.med.Helmut , Ehleben med. Wilhelm , Horschig rer.nat. Jörn M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technique was introduced for use in general medical practice to measure brain blood oxygenation along with physiological parameters such as 4-channel EEG, heart rate, blood oxygenation, blood volume changes and autonomic nerve activity. An artificial neuronal network was used to adjust the brain blood oxygenation measurements to evaluate changes in these physiological parameters. Early detection of cerebral blood flow disorders related to cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer´s disease appears to be feasible. Acupuncture with Hegu (LI4) was applied to stimulate brain neuronal networks in 5 control patients (CPs) and 5 brain disorder patients (BDPs). The following conclusions were drawn: 1. fNIRS recordings of brain hemoglobin oxygenation indicate the efficacy of brain microcirculation and brain oxygen supply 2. Central brain acupuncture stimulation reveals deficits in the brain microcirculation and oxygen supply of BDPs 3. A 20-second period of acupuncture stimulation results in brain hypoxia in BDPs but not in CPs, primarily due to mismatching of arterial and venous microcirculation 4. fNIRS combined with subsequent ANN analysis of brain oxygen supply could be very effective and user friendly for recording early signs of brain microcirculation dysregulation and therapeutic progress.