bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population-Based Study on Lifestyle in São Paulo City: What Has Changed Over More Than a Decade?
Authors: Figueiredo Tatiane Kosimenko Ferrari , Alves Maria Cecília Goi Porto , Barros Marilisa Berti Azevedo , Goldbaum Moisés , Fisberg Regina Mara , Santos Edigê Felipe de Sousa , Cesar Chester Luiz Galvão 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: modifiable risk factors related to lifestyle have possible low-cost interventions and, although potentially relevant in defining the epidemiological profile of the population and being associated with decreased early mortality from cardiovascular disease, these are not being monitored so that they can be assessed globally. So, the purpose of the study was to describe, analyze, and compare the lifestyle in the city of São Paulo in 2003 and 2015.
Methods: this is a cross-sectional, population-based study that utilized data from the Health Survey of the City of São Paulofrom 2003 and 2015, selecting individuals of both sexes, aged 12 years and older. The study evaluated smoking, leisure-time physical activity, dependency, abusive alcohol consumption, frequent alcohol consumption, intake of fruits, vegetables, and greens, and overweight. Prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each lifestyle-related variable in 2003 and 2015, according to age group, sex, and education level. Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios by age group, sex, and education level.
Results: between 2003 and 2015, smoking decreased by 15% overall, 39% among adolescents, and 15% among adults. Insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and greens decreased by 7% overall, 11% among adults, 8% in males, 7% in females, 7% in those with intermediate education, and 17% in those with higher education. Frequent alcohol consumption decreased by 25.8% among those with higher education. Overweight increased by 37% overall, with significant increases in all age, gender, and educational categories.
Conclusions: smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, and insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and greens showed positive decreases. Conversely, overweight exhibited negative increases across all analyzed categories. Given the existence of current public policies related to the presented risk factors, there is a need for evaluation and improvement of existing policies, especially those intervening in factors with the worst outcomes.
Evidence for causal effects of serum trace minerals on risk of gastric diseases: A mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Zerong , Zhao Lulu , Luan Xiaoyi , Niu Penghui , Wang Wanqing , Han Xue , Chen Yingtai 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The causal association of serum trace minerals with gastric diseases have investigated in several observational studies. However, the results are conflicting and establishing causality has always been a challenge due to potential residual confounding. We conducted this mendelian randomization (MR) analysis aiming to explain the causal effects of serum trace minerals on risk for gastric diseases.
Methods
32 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with serum trace minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, selenium, zinc) in published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were applied as instrumental variables (IVs). GWAS summary data for gastric diseases were obtained from the UK Biobank, the FinnGen consortium and Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit (MRC-IEU) OpenGWAS project. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was the main method of mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Cochran’s Q statistics, Rucker’s Q test, MR-PRESSO and MR-Egger intercept were used to assess pleiotropy and heterogeneity.
Results
A protective effect of serum calcium against gastric polyp (IVW: OR: 0.989, 95%CI 0.981 − 0.971, p = 0.009) and a hazardous effect against chronic gastritis (IVW: OR: 1.008, 95%CI 1.001–1.016, p = 0.034; Weighted median: OR: 1.009, 95%CI 1.002–1.016, p = 0.009) were found. Genetically predicted serum magnesium was causally associated with increased risks of gastric polyp (Weighted median: OR: 1.040, 95%CI 1.020–1.064, p = 0.035) and gastric cancer (MR-Egger: OR: 3.3e + 17, 95%CI 1.9e + 10-5.9e + 24, p = 0.009). Suggestive associations with decreased risk of gastric polyp (IVW: OR: 0.998, 95%CI 0.997–0.999, p = 0.047) and gastric cancer (IVW: OR: 0.851, 95%CI 0.773–0.988, p = 0.035) were noted for genetically predicted serum iron. Genetic liability to serum selenium was significantly and inversely associated with gastric disorder (IVW: OR: 0.987, 95%CI 0.979–0.995, p = 0.002; Weighted median: OR: 0.988, 95%CI 0.979–0.998, p = 0.024), gastric ulcer (IVW: OR: 0.987, 95%CI 0.981–0.994, p = 0.0002; Weighted median: OR: 0.988, 95%CI 0.980–0.996, p = 0.003) and chronic gastritis (IVW: OR: 0.993, 95%CI 0.987–0.998, p = 0.012). Genetically predicted serum copper caused increased risk of gastric ulcer (IVW: OR: 1.001, 95%CI 1.000-1.002, p = 0.032). Causal relationships between zinc (p > 0.05), phosphorus (p > 0.05) and gastric diseases were not obtained. The reliability of the results was verified by sensitivity analysis.
Conclusion
The study provided MR evidence of causal associations of serum calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and selenium with gastric diseases. Specifically, a positive causal relationship was observed between serum magnesium levels and gastric cancer risk, while serum iron levels were inversely associated with gastric cancer.
The Ecological System’s Influence on Physical Activities of Older Adults: Comparison between Older Men and Women
Authors: Roh Su Yeon , Chang Ik Young 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Korea is expected to become a super-aged society by 2025. Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity has a positive impact on older adults’ health and reduces national health costs.
Aims
Drawing on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, this study examines ecological systems that influence physical activity in older men and women.
Method
The data analysis included information on 537 older adults aged 65 years and older residing in South Korea. The regression analysis identified differences in the ecological systems that influence physical activity in older adults by sex.
Results
By examining the ecological systems that affect physical activity in older men, we found that the macrosystem affected the exosystem (p < .001) and microsystem (p < .001), the exosystem affected the mesosystem (p < .01), and the microsystem affected individuals (p < .001). In the case of older women, the macrosystem affected the exosystem (p < .001), microsystem (p < .001), and individuals (p < .01); the exosystem affected the microsystem (p < .01), and the microsystem affected individuals (p < .001).
Discussion and Conclusion
The results show that interpersonal interactions among friends, family members, and colleagues (microsystem) commonly affect physical activity in older men and women, whereas cultural characteristics that influence belief systems, knowledge, resources, and lifestyle factors (macrosystem) only affect physical activity in older women. These results suggest that older men do not receive sufficient support from the macrosystem in terms of their participation in physical activity. To encourage older men to participate in more physical activities, it is necessary to establish policies that help them form positive values and beliefs about physical activity.
Multiple scales analysis for the slowest flow of a particle on a horizontally vibrating frictional table
Authors: Manthena Dheeraj Varma , Vyasarayani C. P. , Chatterjee Anindya 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In recent work we examined frictionally driven motions of a point mass on a horizontally shaken table. Specifically, we examined an open-loop table motion that sends the sliding point mass approach a fixed point in space. Numerics followed by multiple scales analysis revealed three time scales: one fast time scale of the table oscillation, one slow time scale of a spiralling-in motion with superposed slow oscillations, and a slowest time scale of non-oscillatory approach to the fixed point. Of these, the motion at the intermediate or slow scale was captured using multiple scales analysis. In the present work, we further analyze the slow motions to remove the slow oscillations and extract the super-slow spiralling-in motion which is of primary interest. The problem presents interesting analytical aspects. While in the first mutiple-scales analysis we used asymptotic approximations of some integrals, here we encounter logarithmic nonlinearities that cause difficulties. Fortunately, using a Fourier series expansion, we can extract the relevant integrals and the multiple scales analysis is successful again. While our results are based on assuming the table oscillation frequency is large and the friction is small, our demonstration of the doubly averaged motion towards the fixed point is more broadly convincing and presents interesting academic elements as well. This paper concludes the asymptotic analysis of a stable attractor for a frictionally driven point mass. We emphasize that such a stable attractor for purely horizontal open-loop motions of the table had not been reported in the literature before.
Dang-Gui-Si-Ni decoction facilitates wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers by regulating expression of AGEs/RAGE/TGF-β/Smad2/3
Authors: Zhang Shuyang , Xu Yanwen , junior Chenyang Zhang , Chen Xiao , Zhu Jiayan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a predominant complication of diabetes mellitus with poor prognosis accompanied by high amputation and mortality rates. Dang-Gui-Si-Ni decoction (DSD), as a classic formula with a long history in China, has been found to improve DFU symptoms. However, mechanism of DSD for DFU therapy remains unclear with no systematic elaboration.
Methods
In vivo, following establishment of DFU rat model, DSD intervention with low, medium and high doses was done, with Metformin (DM) as a positive control group. With wound healing detection, pathological changes by HE staining, inflammatory factor expression by ELISA and qRT-PCR, oxidative stress levels by ELISA, and AGEs/RAGE/TGF-β/Smad2/3 expression by Western blot were performed. In vitro, intervention with LY2109761 (TGF-β pathway inhibitor) based on DSD treatment in human dermal fibroblast-adult (HDF-a) cells was made. Cell viability by CCK8, migration ability by cell scratch, apoptosis by flow cytometry, and AGEs/RAGE/TGF-β/Smad2/3 expression by Western blot were measured.
Results
DFU rats exhibited elevated AGEs/RAGE expression, whereas decreased TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 protein expression, accompanied by higher IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α levels, and oxidative stress. DSD intervention reversed above effects. Glucose induction caused lower cell viability, migration, TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 protein expression, with increased apoptosis and AGEs/RAGE expression in HDF-a cells. These effects were reversed after DSD intervention, and further LY2109761 intervention inhibited DSD effects in cells.
Conclusion
DSD intervention may facilitates wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers by regulating expression of AGEs/RAGE/TGF-β/Smad2/3, providing scientific experimental evidence for DSD clinical application for DFU therapy.
Nitrogen-enriched chitosan. Strategies for Amino Acid Molecule Attachment
Authors: Wolczko Marta 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Chitosan, a polysaccharide derived from chitin, has gained significant attention as a promising solid adsorbent due to its unique properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and good adsorption capacity. Its abundant amino and hydroxyl groups offer numerous functionalization opportunities, allowing for the development of tailored adsorbents with enhanced performance in various applications. This publication explores the potential of chitosan as a solid adsorbent and focuses specifically on strategies for attaching amino acid molecules to chitosan. Many attempts have been made to combine chitosan with an amino acid, but the best results were obtained by combining the activation of chitosan with hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) and simultaneous activation of the amino acid with the carbodiimide EDC. The reaction occurs in water, thus adhering to the principles of green chemistry. Substitution of every fourth chitosan sugar unit with a natural amino acid L-glycine was obtained. Other amino acids have also been successfully substituted into the chitosan sugar backbone. Furthermore, chitosan is derived from waste materials generated by the seafood industry, the utilization of materials based on it represents a way to reduce the quantity of such waste.
Baseline Tumor Burden is Associated with Bone Marrow Involvement in Low-grade
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Wang Jijin , Zhong Wenhuan , Guo Jiangrui , Qiu Yanyan , Liu Tianxiu , Zheng Hao , Chen Silin , Liao Siqin , Zhao Ruizhi , Shi Guiqing , Tang Tianlan , Lin Yuping , Huang Cheng , Chen Jinhua , Liu Tingbo , Zhang Yujing , Yang Yong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Bone marrow biopsy (BMB) is a cornerstone in the staging of aggressive lymphomas, yet its relevance in indolent lymphomas remains under scrutiny. This study assessed the utility of BMB in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) staging for low-grade follicular lymphomas (FL).
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed the records of patients newly diagnosed with low-grade (grade 1–2) FL who underwent initial staging with both PET/CT and BMB at two Chinese institutions from 2010 to 2022. Data for a cohort of 171 patients were analyzed, 27 had positive BMB results.
Results
Using BMB as the benchmark for diagnostic accuracy, PET/CT demonstrated an overall accuracy of 86.5% in detecting BM involvement. BMB led to the reclassification of 13 patients to stage IV disease who were initially evaluated as stage III via PET/CT. In patients with advanced-stage disease, positive BMB results correlated with extramedullary tumor burden. Patients were stratified as low-, intermediate-, and high-risk using four independent BMB-positive risk factors: sex, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score > 1, elevated beta2 micro-globulin levels, and involvement of more than four lymph node regions. The BMB-positive rates for the risk categories were 5.6%, 40.7%, and 68.8%, respectively. Over a median follow-up period of 34 months, there was no observed survival difference between BMB-positive and BMB-negative patients.
Conclusions
Baseline PET/CT can safely and effectively substitute for BMB in the staging of early-stage, low-grade FL. However, in patients with advanced-stage disease, routine BMB provides additional diagnostic value over PET/CT. The rate of BMB positivity is strongly linked to tumor burden.
RETRACTED: Normative Data for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in a Representative Sample of Qatar’s Arabic Speaking Healthy Population
Authors: Amro Iman , Hamadi Aisha M. Al , Salem Alaa A. El , Chivese Tawanda , Wilkins Stacy S. , Khaled Salma M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Artificial intelligence-based prediction of neurocardiovascular risk score from retinal swept-source microvascular imaging: the RASTA dataset
Authors: Germanese Clement , Anwer Atif , Eid Petra , Steinberg Laure-Anne , Guenancia Charles , Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine , Meriaudeau Fabrice , Arnould Louis 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The recent rise of artificial intelligence represents a revolutionary way of improving current medical practices, including cardiovascular (CV) assessment scores. Retinal vascular alterations may reflect systemic processes such as the presence of CV risk factors. The value of swept-source retinal optical coherence tomography–angiography (SS OCT-A) imaging is significantly enhanced by image analysis tools that provide rapid and accurate quantification of vascular features. We report on the interest of using machine-learning (ML) and deep-learning (DL) models for CV assessment from SS OCT-A microvasculature imaging. We assessed the accuracy of ML and DL algorithms in predicting the CHA2DS2-VASc neurocardiovascular score based on SS OCT-A retinal images of patients from the open-source RASTA dataset. The ML and DL models were trained on data from 491 patients. The ML models tested here achieved good performance with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.71 to 0.96. According to a classification into two or three CV risk groups, the EfficientNetV2-B3 tool predicted risk correctly in 39% and 68% of cases, respectively, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of approximately 0.697. Our models enable a confident prediction of the CHA2DS2-VASc score from SS OCT-A imaging, which could be a useful tool contributing to the assessment of neurocardiovascular profiles in the future.
Assessment of the β-Ga2O3 substrate orientation for µm-level-thick layers via MOVPE process
Authors: Chou Ta-Shun , Anooz Saud Bin , Rehm Jana , Fiedler Andreas , Galazka Zbigniew , Albrecht Martin , Popp Andreas 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study explores the transfer of optimized growth conditions from (100) to (010) orientation in β-Ga2O3 films via the metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) process, aiming to uncover a shared growth window. While (100) orientation demands intentional substrate treatment for ideal growth, (010) orientation requires specific growth conditions to lower surface roughness. Our findings reveal that a low O2/Ga flux ratio growth condition enables a uniform process for both orientations across various film thicknesses with smooth surface roughness. Notably, extended defects (nanopipes) manifest prominently in EFG-grown substrates impact film quality (hillock formation) and electrical properties in films of > 3 µm thick. Nanopipes-free Czochralski-grown crystals enable thick films (4 µm) without deteriorating their structural quality and electrical properties.
Decreased impulsiveness and MEG normalization after AI- digital therapy in ADHD children: a RCT
Authors: Bilan Danylyna Shpakivska , Giglioli Irene Alice Chicchi , Cuesta Pablo , Cañadas Elena , de Ramón Ignacio , Maestú Fernando , Alda Jose , Ramos-Quiroga Josep Antoni , Herrera Jorge A. , Amado Alfonso , Quintero Javier 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presents with symptoms like impulsiveness, inattention, and hyperactivity, often affecting children’s academic and social functioning. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as digital cognitive therapy, are emerging as complementary treatments for ADHD. The randomized controlled trial explored the impact of an AI-driven digital cognitive program on impulsiveness, inattentiveness, and neurophysiological markers in 41 children aged 8–12 with ADHD. Participants received either 12 weeks of AI-driven therapy or a placebo intervention. Assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention and magnetoencephalography (MEG) analyzed brain activity. Results showed significant reductions in impulsiveness and inattentiveness scores in the treatment group, associated with normalized MEG spectral profiles, indicating neuromaturation. Notably, improvements in inhibitory control correlated with spectral profile normalization in the parieto-temporal cortex. Improvements in inhibitory control, linked to normalized spectral profiles, suggest AI-driven digital cognitive therapy can reduce impulsiveness in ADHD children by enhancing neurophysiological efficiency. This emphasizes personalized, technology-driven ADHD treatment, using neurophysiological markers for assessing efficacy.
Uniquome: Construction and Decoding of a Novel Proteomic Atlas that Contains New Peptide Entities
Authors: Kontopodis Evangelos , Pierros Vasileios , Vorgias Constantinos E. , Papassideri Issidora S. , Stravopodis Dimitrios J. , Tsangaris George Th. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Cellular and molecular uniqueness has recently gained eminent importance, due to the large amount of data produced by “-omics” technologies. Herein, we have constructed and decoded the “Uniquome”, by introduction of the new peptide entities: (a) “Core Unique Peptide” (CrUP), defined as the peptide whose sequence is accommodated, specifically and exclusively, only in one protein in a given proteome, and also bears the minimum length of amino acid sequence; (b) “Composite Unique Peptide” (CmUP), defined as the peptide composed by the linear unification of CrUPs, when two or more successive in order CrUPs overlap one another; (c) “Family Unique Peptide” (FUP), defined as the CrUPs that are common between all members of a given family, but unique only for the protein members of the particular family, and (d) “Universal Unique Peptides” (UUPs), which are the common CrUPs in a given protein across organisms, carrying the important ability to securely identify a protein independently of an organism. By these entities as tool-box, we have analyzed the human and model organisms, respective, proteomes. We demonstrate that these novel peptide entities play a crucial role for protein identification, protein-function prediction, cell physiology, tissue pathology, therapeutic oncology and translational medicine. Finally, we suggest that across species the conserved sequences are not DNA nucleotides but CrUPs entities.
Reasons for Gambling in University Students, Loneliness? A study on sports science students
Authors: seydioglu Cüneyt , Yagci Ihsan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the reasons behind university students' gambling and especially to examine the relationship between loneliness and gambling. The population of the research consists of the students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences in Istanbul. The sample consisted of 1051 volunteer students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences selected by random method. The study data were obtained through Personal Information Form, Reasons for Gambling Scale and UCLA Loneliness Scale. The sample group of the study consisted of students from 5 private and 2 foundation universities with a Faculty of Sports Sciences who had played at least one of the online games, sports betting, horse racing, lottery, card/table games and numerical lotto games with money in the last 3 months. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS 25.0 package programme and the significance level was set as 0.05. According to the findings obtained as a result of the study, it was determined that students studying at private universities need to gamble for the reason of earning money, while students studying at public universities have a high urge to have fun / excitement as a reason for gambling. In addition, it was determined that students who do not work need to gamble for the reason of earning money. As another result, it was determined that students who do not do sports as a licensed athlete feel themselves more lonely than licensed athletes. In line with the main purpose of the study, it was concluded that loneliness triggers the urge to gamble.