bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frailty trajectories preceding dementia: an individual-level analysis of four cohort studies in the United States and United Kingdom
Authors: Ward David , Flint Jonny , Littlejohns Thomas , Foote Isabelle , Canevelli Marco , Wallace Lindsay , Gordon Emily , Llewellyn David , Ranson Janice , Hubbard Ruth , Rockwood Kenneth , Stolz Erwin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Frailty may represent a modifiable risk factor for dementia, but the direction of that association remains uncertain. We investigated frailty trajectories in the years preceding dementia onset using data from 23,672 participants (242,760 person-years of follow-up, 2,906 cases of incident dementia) across four cohort studies in the United States and United Kingdom. Bayesian non-linear models revealed accelerations in frailty trajectories 4–9 years before incident dementia. Among participants whose time between frailty measurement and incident dementia exceeded that prodromal period, frailty remained positively associated with dementia risk (adjusted hazard ratios ranged from 1.20 [95% confidence interval, CI = 1.15–1.26] to 1.43 [95% CI = 1.14–1.81]). This observational evidence suggests that frailty increases dementia risk independently of any reverse causality. These findings indicate that frailty measurements can be used to identify high-risk population groups for preferential enrolment into clinical trials for dementia prevention and treatment. Frailty itself may represent a useful upstream target for behavioural and societal approaches to dementia prevention.
Baseflow Separation for Improving Dam Inflow Prediction using Data-Driven Models
Authors: Han Heechan , Park Heeseung , kim donghyun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Improving the accuracy of rainfall-runoff simulations is an important challenge for efficient water resource management. Data-driven models are alternatives for simulating and predicting streamflows based on the relationships between meteorological variables and runoff. To improve runoff forecasting performance, we present data-driven model-based runoff forecasting algorithms coupled with a baseflow separation process. For the evaluation, we used two types of data-driven algorithms, deep neural network (DNN) and random forest (RF), and considered the historical patterns of precipitation, air temperature, humidity, and dam inflows as input data for the algorithms. In addition, we evaluated the prediction model by applying lead times of 1–7 days to construct the optimal input datasets. The performance of the dam inflow prediction using data-driven models coupled with the baseflow separation process was better than that of the algorithm without the process.
Are there interindividual differences in the reactive hypoglycaemia response to breakfast? A replicate crossover trial
Authors: Gonzalez Javier T. , Lolli Lorenzo , Veasey Rachel C. , Rumbold Penny L.S. , Betts James A. , Stevenson Emma J. , Atkinson Greg 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Following consumption of a meal, circulating glucose concentrations can rise and then fall briefly below the basal/fasting concentrations. This phenomenon is known as reactive hypoglycaemia but to date no study explored potential inter-individual differences in response to meal consumption.
Objective
We conducted a secondary analysis of existing data to examine inter-individual variability of reactive hypoglycaemia in response to breakfast consumption.
Methods
Using a replicate crossover design, 12 healthy men completed two identical control (continued overnight fasting) and two breakfast (444 kcal) conditions in randomised sequences. Blood glucose and lactate concentrations, serum insulin and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations, whole-body energy expenditure, carbohydrate and fat oxidation rates, and appetite ratings were determined before and 2 hours after the interventions. Inter-individual differences were explored using Pearson’s product-moment correlations between the first and second replicates of the control-adjusted breakfast response. Within-participant covariate-adjusted linear mixed models and a random-effects meta-analytical approach were used to quantify participant-by-condition interactions.
Results
Breakfast consumption lowered 2-h blood glucose 0.44 mmol/L (95%CI: 0.76 to 0.12 mmol/L) and serum NEFA concentrations, whilst increasing blood lactate and serum insulin concentrations (all p < 0.01). Large, positive correlations were observed between the first and second replicates of the control-adjusted insulin, lactate, hunger, and satisfaction responses to breakfast consumption (all r > 0.5, 90%CI ranged from 0.03 to 0.91). The participant-by-condition interaction response variability (SD) for serum insulin concentration was 11 pmol/L (95%CI: 5 to 16 pmol/L), which was consistent with the τ-statistic from the random-effects meta-analysis (11.7 pmol/L, 95%CI 7.0 to 22.2 pmol/L) whereas effects were unclear for other outcome variables (e.g., τ-statistic value for glucose: 0 mmol/L, 95%CI 0.0 to 0.5 mmol/L).
Conclusions
Despite observing reactive hypoglycaemia at the group level, we were unable to detect any meaningful inter-individual variability of the reactive hypoglycaemia response to breakfast. There was, however, evidence that 2-h insulin responses to breakfast display meaningful inter-individual variability, which may be explained by relative carbohydrate dose ingested and variation in insulin sensitivity of participants.
Genome-wide identification, structural characterization and expression profiling of AP2/ERF gene family in bayberry (Myrica rubra)
Authors: Liu Yumeng , Cai Linqi , Zhu Jiali , Lin Yue , Chen Minghui , Zhang Huiling , Fan Xiurun , Xu Kai , Wu Boping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Bayberry is the most economically significant fruit within the Myricaceae family, having high nutritional and medicinal value. The AP2/ERF family is a class of transcription factors found mainly in plants. However, the bayberry AP2/ERF gene family has not previously been studied.
Results: In this study, 113 members of the bayberry AP2/ERF gene family were identified. According to the phylogenetic tree, the members of this group are divided into three subfamilies. The gene structure and conserved motifs were analyzed. Chromosome localization showed that 95 genes were unevenly distributed on 8 chromosomes and 18 genes were located on the skeleton. In addition, we further investigated the collinearity between these genes and related genes in six other species. Transcriptomic data showed that the expression pattern of AP2/ERFgene was different in bayberry space electric field treatment and at different stages of development.
Conclusions: The AP2/ERFgene was identified in the genome of bayberry, and its structure, conserved motif, and phylogenetic relationship were analyzed. These findings of this study serve as a reference for the genome-wide identification of the AP2/ERFgene family in other species and groundwork for future research on the function of AP2/ERF genes in bayberry.
Specific Imaging of CD8+ T-Cell Dynamics with a Nanobody Radiotracer against Human CD8β
Authors: De Groof Timo W.M. , Lauwers Yoline , De Pauw Tessa , Saxena Mohit , Vincke Cécile , Craenenbroeck Jolien Van , Chapon Catherine , Grand Roger Le , Raes Geert , Naninck Thibaut , Ginderachter Jo A. Van , Devoogdt Nick 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
While immunotherapy has revolutionized the oncology field, variations in therapy responsiveness limit the broad applicability of these therapies. Diagnostic imaging of immune cell, and specifically CD8+ T cell, dynamics could allow early patient stratification and result in improved therapy efficacy and safety. In this study, we report the development of a nanobody-based immunotracer for non-invasive SPECT and PET imaging of human CD8+ T-cell dynamics.
Methods
Nanobodies targeting human CD8β were generated via llama immunizations and subsequent biopanning. The lead anti-human CD8β nanobody was characterized in vitro on binding, specificity, stability and toxicity. The lead nanobody was labelled with 99mTc and 68Ga for non-invasive imaging of human T-cell lymphomas and CD8+ T cells in human CD8 transgenic mice and non-human primates via SPECT or PET/CT. Repeated imaging of CD8+ T cells in MC38 tumor-bearing mice was performed to visualize CD8+ T-cell dynamics.
Results
The nanobody-based immunotracer showed high affinity and specific binding to human CD8 without unwanted immune activation. CD8+ T cells were non-invasively visualized via SPECT and PET imaging in naïve and tumor-bearing mice and in naïve non-human primates with high sensitivity. The nanobody-based immunotracer showed enhanced specificity for CD8+ T cells and/or faster in vivo pharmacokinetics compared to previous human CD8-targeting immunotracers, allowing us to follow human CD8+ T-cell dynamics already at early timepoints.
Conclusion
Overall, this study describes the development of a more specific human CD8+ T-cell-targeting immunotracer, allowing follow up of immunotherapy responses via non-invasive imaging of human CD8+ T-cell dynamics.
Bovine Tuberculosis in Central Ethiopian Slaughterhouses and Identification of Causative Mycobacteria by Multiplex Real-Time PCR
Authors: Fromsa Abebe , Zeleke Yemisrach , Sriniva Sreenidhi , Gumi Balako , Lakew Matios , Abdela Musse , Bahiru Getahun , Worku Dawit , Vordermeier H. Martin , Bakker Douwe , Berg Stefan , Ameni Gobena , Wood James , Conlan Andrew , Kapur Vivek 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic disease primarily caused by Mycobacterium bovis that ultimately leads to the development of progressive granulomatous lesions. Although the disease is widespread, especially on intensive dairy farms in Ethiopia, routine investigations and surveillance are lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, and species of mycobacteria causing bTB in slaughtered cattle at four slaughterhouses in Central Ethiopia.
Methods
Postmortem examination of 7,640 cattle was conducted using a cross-sectional slaughterhouse survey. A total of 388 tuberculous-like lesions (TBLs) were collected from 173 animals and cultured. Six target genes were used to differentiate mycobacterial species using multiplex real-time PCR (mRT-PCR). Multivariate logistic regression analyses and related odds ratios (ORs) were used to gauge the strength of the associations between risk factors, TBL incidence and culture growth.
Results
The prevalence of TBL was 2.3% (95% CI = 2.0-2.6). Logistic regression analysis indicated an increased risk of TBL in crossbred cattle (OR = 11.0, 95% CI: 6.1, 19.8). Animals slaughtered at Adama (OR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.25, 7.14) or Burayu (OR = 5.65, 95% CI: 3.76, 8.47) had a greater risk of TBL than those slaughtered at Sululta. There were significantly more TBL-positive lesions in the lungs and lymph nodes related to the lung (OR = 6.35; 95% CI: 2.46, 16.4) and the head lymph node (OR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.05, 8.93). Among the 173 TBL-positive animals, 36% (95% CI = 28.8, 43.2) were culture positive, and among the 388 TBL-positive tissues, 24.2% (95% CI = 20, 29) were culture positive. All the culture-generated isolates were M. bovis positive according to mRT-PCR, suggesting persistent transmission among the cattle population, posing a serious public health threat.
Conclusion
This study revealed an eleven-fold greater risk of bTB-related lesions in crossbred cattle than in local zebu cattle. This finding highlights the necessity for targeted interventions, continuous vigilance, and thorough meat inspection to mitigate public health risks.
Cognitive Flexibility and Emotion Regulation in Eating Disorder Patients with Comorbid Generalized Anxiety and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
Authors: Thompson Connor J , Martin-Wagar Caitlin A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Research has found that difficulties in emotion regulation negatively impact mental health, whereas cognitive flexibility may promote stress resilience and positive mental health. Little is known about cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation in people with comorbid eating disorder (ED) and anxiety and stress disorders. A transdiagnostic ED population (N = 227) at an outpatient ED treatment facility completed several self-report instruments that measured cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation difficulties, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms upon admission. We investigated cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation differences for those with an ED without comorbidity and those with various combinations of comorbidity. In a one-way between-groups ANOVA, we investigated differences in cognitive flexibility for those with GAD, PTSD, neither, and both comorbidities. We found a statistically significant difference between these groups, with mean cognitive flexibility inventory scores being the lowest in the group with both comorbidities. However, when controlling for emotion regulation, a one-way between-groups ANCOVA indicated no significant differences in cognitive flexibility between comorbidity groups F(3, 222) = 1.20, p = .31 Partial η2 = .02. Though self-reported cognitive flexibility levels differ among ED patients with and without comorbidities, it appears that these differences are better explained by emotion regulation. Therefore, addressing emotion regulation early in treatment for all individuals with EDs, regardless of comorbidity. Further research is needed to understand the impact of treating emotion regulation on ED treatment engagement, dropout, and effectiveness.
Automated Segmentation of Intracranial Carotid Atherosclerosis in Histological Images: Assessing the Effect of Staining
Authors: Reimer Michal , Dvorský Ondřej , Szabó Zoltán , Klempíř Ondřej , Mandys Václav , Školoudík David , Kybic Jan , Krupička Radim 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Atherosclerosis, a major cause of ischemic stroke worldwide, is characterized by plaque formation, particularly in the carotid bifurcation, leading to arterial stenosis. Traditional histology and light microscopy have been used to study atherosclerotic plaques, but the advent of digital pathology and artificial intelligence provides new opportunities. In this work, we propose an automatic segmentation method using convolutional neural networks (U-Net and DeepLabV3+) to delineate atherosclerotic carotid plaque tissue. The study includes 835 images of histological slices stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson's method from 114 patients. The results show that DeepLabV3 + outperforms U-Net, achieving high accuracy for tissue types such as lumen, fibrous tissue, atheroma, calcification, and hemorrhage. Staining influences segmentation results, with Van Gieson's stain excelling in fibrous tissue segmentation, while hematoxylin and eosin show better results for calcification and hemorrhage. Moreover, the segmentation models facilitate clinical plaque classification, demonstrating good discrimination performance. Our study highlights the potential of deep neural networks in segmenting atherosclerotic plaques, while emphasizing the need for careful consideration of staining effects in computerized analysis.
Agricultural intensification affects communities of plants and arthropods in field borders and their potential to engender biological control
Authors: Saldanha Alan V. , Carvalho Rayana M.R. , Machado Carolina F.M. , Souza João Paulo , Gontijo Lessando M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In agriculture, spontaneous field border vegetation can engender several benefits, including mitigating soil erosion, increasing carbon retention, conserving pollinators, and promoting biological control. The extension of these benefits can, however, often depend on the context of location and time. As for biological control, field borders can promote natural enemy conservation if the plants therein can provide adequate resources (e.g. shelter, alternative food, microclimate). In the context of location, field borders can be adjacent to areas with varying degrees of agricultural intensification, including fields with annual crops, perennial crops, or forest areas. While many studies have investigated how field borders can influence arthropod communities in adjacent crops, the opposite direction of effect (i.e. how crop areas can influence adjacent field borders) remains an underexplored topic. Therefore, in this three-season study we selected vegetated field borders next to annual crops, perennial crops, and forest areas, to study their communities of spontaneous plants (weeds) and arthropods as well as their potential to engender biological control. In general, our results show that the community composition of plants and arthropods was affected by land use type and season. Furthermore, field border vegetation next to areas with higher level of agricultural intensification (i.e. annual or perennial crops) harbored more herbivores, flowers and natural enemies; although some of these results were season dependent. Lastly, field borders next to annual or perennial crop areas engendered stronger biological control of aphids; possibly due to the alternative food (herbivores/aphids and flowers) provided by the plants therein. Taken altogether, our results reinforce the importance of preserving spontaneous field border vegetation, especially in areas under intensive agriculture management.
Natural resources can help reducing cardiovascular risk: randomized controlled study
Authors: Rapolienė Lolita , Taletavičienė Giedrė , Martinkėnas Arvydas 
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally accounting for 32 % of all global deaths. Addressing modifiable risk factors, including hypertension and stress, remains paramount in the prevention of CVD. This study aimed to assess the impact of the balneotherapy on blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram parameters, utilization of antihypertensive medications, and stress levels. Methodology. Multicenter randomized controlled single-blind parallel group trial was made in 6 Lithuania resort centers. 373 participants with the stress level > 3 (10, VAS) randomly divided into 6 groups in two clusters for receiving a 6- or 11-day complex treatment using natural resources – mineral waters, peloids, salt, nature therapy; follow-up period was 6 months. The BP, HR, ECG, stress level and other parameters were analyzed in 131 participants who passed a full course of investigation. Results. The significant reduction of systolic blood pressure after treatment (7.8 mmHg) and during 6 months (7.3 mmHg) together with diastolic 5.5 after 6 month and heart rate (4 b/min) was achieved in 11-day ambulatory balneotherapy group. Increase in the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system was observed, which is reflected by an increase in the duration of the ECG indicators. The stress level decreased by up to 43%, and stress management improved by up to 41% following inpatient treatment. Conclusion. Therapy using natural resources could stand for additional cardiovascular disease prevention and management method in integrative therapy.
Diffusion and innovation belajar.id account: A systematic literature review
Authors: Atikasari Nur , Sunardi Sunardi 
Published: April 2024

Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has conditions educators and students cannot meet face to face, so online learning is carried out. The Ministry of Education and Culture 2020 launched a learning innovation, namely a belajar.id account to facilitate online learning. The diffusion process is essential for innovative products because it can affect the adoption rate of innovation. However, in the period of launch to date, it has yet to be discovered the process of diffusion of belajar.id accounts and the factors involved. This study aims to identify the diffusion process of innovation belajar.id account. This study used a systematic literature review research method using Google Scholar and Sinta databases. Based on 19 selected articles, this study identifies the diffusion process of innovation belajar.id account is influenced by innovation characteristics, communication channels, specific periods, and members of the social system. The factors involved consist of driving factors and inhibiting factors of innovation diffusion. Based on the research results and conclusions, this research can be a source of reference in carrying out learning innovations in education and developing existing learning innovations. Difusi dan inovasi akun belajar.id: Studi literaturPembelajaran saat pandemi covid-19 memiliki kondisi bahwa pendidik dan peserta didik tidak dapat bertatap muka secara langsung sehingga dilaksanakan pembelajaran secara online. Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan pada tahun 2020 meluncurkan inovasi pembelajaran yaitu akun belajar.id untuk memfasilitasi pembelajaran online. Proses difusi sangat penting bagi produk inovasi karena dapat mempengaruhi tingkat adopsi inovasi. Namun, dalam kurun waktu peluncuran sampai saat ini, belum diketahui proses difusi akun belajar.id dan faktor-faktor yang terlibat. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengidentifikasi proses difusi inovasi akun belajar.id. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian systematic literature review. Dengan menggunakan basis data Google Scholar dan Sinta. Berdasarkan 19 artikel terpilih, penelitian ini mengidentifikasi proses difusi inovasi akun belajar.id dipengaruhi oleh karakteristik inovasi, saluran komunikasi, jangka waktu tertentu, dan anggota sistem sosial. Faktor yang terlibat terdiri dari faktor pendorong dan faktor penghambat difusi inovasi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dan kesimpulan, diharapkan penelitian ini dapat menjadi sumber referensi dalam melakukan inovasi pembelajaran di bidang pendidikan dan pengembangan inovasi pembelajaran yang sudah ada.