bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weakness Thresholds Are Differentially Linked to Cognitive Function by Obesity Status in Older Americans
Authors: Batesole Joshua , Tomkinson Grant R. , Erickson Kirk I. , Jurivich Donald , Lang Justin J. , McGrath Brenda M. , Robinson-Lane Sheria G. , Smith Ashleigh E. , McGrath Ryan 
Published: April 2024

Background: Weakness can be operationalized with several thresholds, which in turn, could impact associations with cognitive impairment when considering obesity status. Objective: We examined the associations of absolute, normalized, and collective weakness thresholds on future cognitive impairment by obesity status in older adults. Methods: We performed a secondary data analysis on the 2006–2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. A spring-type dynamometer collected handgrip strength (HGS). Males were categorized weak if their HGS was <35.5-kg (absolute), <0.45-kg/kg (body mass normalized), or <1.05-kg/kg/m2 (body mass index (BMI) normalized), while females were defined as weak if their HGS was <20.0-kg, <0.337-kg/kg, or <0.79-kg/kg/m2. The modified Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status examined cognitive function. Persons scoring ≤10 had a cognitive impairment. Obesity was categorized as BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Results: We included 7,532 and 3,584 persons aged ≥65-years living without and with obesity, respectively. Those without obesity but beneath the absolute weakness threshold had 1.54 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24–1.91) greater odds for future cognitive impairment. Persons with obesity and beneath each threshold also had greater odds for future cognitive impairment: 1.89 (95% CI: 1.28–2.78) for absolute, 2.17 (95% CI: 1.02–4.62) for body mass normalized, and 1.75 (95% CI: 1.10–2.80) for BMI normalized. Older Americans without obesity but underneath all the weakness thresholds had 1.32 (95% CI: 1.00–1.74) greater odds for impairment in cognitive function, while persons with obesity had 2.76 (95% CI: 1.29–5.93) greater odds. Conclusions: There should be consideration for how body size and different weakness thresholds may influence future cognitive outcomes.
Effect of whole-body vibration on postural stability in young adults with generalized joint hypermobility: A comparative study
Authors: Ewertowska Paulina , Formella Oskar , Poniatowski Łukasz , Zielińska Afrodyta , Krzysztofik Michał , Czaprowski Dariusz 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is being used in rehabilitation and sport. Studies confirm its positive impact on muscle strength and power or regulating muscle hypertension. However, there are some uncertainties regarding its influence on postural stability. This issue seems particularly interesting in the case of individuals with generalized joint hypermobility (GJH), for whom proprioceptive training and muscle strengthening exercises are recommended while techniques that decrease muscle tension are not advised. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the acute effect of WBV on postural stability in adults with GJH. METHODS: 60 participants were categorized into the groups: 1) hypermobility with vibration (GJH+WBV), 2) hypermobility without vibration (GJH–WBV), 3) control group with vibration (CTRL+WBV), 4) control group without vibration (CTRL–WBV). The first and the third group completed WBV (frequency: 15 Hz and 30 Hz, amplitude 3 mm, 3 × 3 min). The second and fourth groups participated only in measurement sessions. GJH was assessed using the Beighton test. Postural stability was measured as the overall stability index (OSI) on the Biodex Balance System on the stable and unstable platform with open and closed eyes. Measurements were taken before and after WBV for two weeks. RESULTS: At a frequency of 15 Hz, a significant time effect was observed for measurements Before and After in CTRL–WBV on the stable platform with open eyes (p= 0.012) and on the unstable platform with closed eyes (p= 0.000) for the GJH+WBV and CTRL+WBV groups. There were no significant interactions (p> 0.05) between factors. At a frequency of 30 Hz, there was a significant time effect Before and After (p= 0.047) on the stable platform with open eyes, but no interaction was found between factors (p= 0.835). CONCLUSION: There is no positive acute effect of WBV on postural stability in adults with and without GJH.
Heart rate variability: Obtaining the stress score from SDNN values
Authors: Salazar-Martínez Eduardo , Naranjo-Orellana José , Sarabia-Cachadiña Elena 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a non-invasive method of assessing the autonomic nervous system response during exercise and fatigue. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the validity and feasibility of the stress score index (SS) calculated from SDNN values during exercise. METHODS: 18 Men performed 2 running tests: 1) incremental exercise test; 2) 10-minute constant load test. Subjects underwent HRV analysis during the constant load test, before both tests, and afterward in a seated position at 3 intervals (0’–5’, 5’–10’, 10’–15’). The relationship between SDNN and SD2 was analyzed before, during, and after the test. SS was calculated as 1/SD2*1000. The Bland-Altman test analyzed the reliability of ESS. The bias, limits of agreement (LoA), standard deviation of difference, intraclass correlation (ICC), and person coefficient were calculated. RESULTS: The bias was 0.15 [Formula: see text] 2.54 (UperLOA: 2.54; LowerLOA: [Formula: see text]2.23). In all conditions, SD2 and SDNN showed a positive linear relationship ([Formula: see text]2 [Formula: see text] 0.986); SS and ESS were correlated; and SS and ESS described a positive linear relationship ([Formula: see text]2 [Formula: see text] 0.993). CONCLUSIONS: The SS index calculation from SDNN is a reliable alternative during exercise.
Comparison of upper and lower trapezius electromyographic activity during Y-raise exercise with and without isometric adduction in healthy volunteers
Authors: Hwang Byeong-Hun , Jeon In-Cheol 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Lower trapezius (LT) plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the scapula. Sufficient activation of LT can reduce the risk of rotator cuff tear and shoulder impingement syndrome. The Y-raise exercise has been recommended for effective LT activation. However, the upper trapezius (UT) can be co-activated during universal Y-raise exercise. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the activity of the UT, LT, and serratus anterior (SA) during Y-raise exercise with and without isometric adduction (IAD) using Thera-Band. METHODS: 21 healthy males voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were asked to perform Y-raise exercise with and without IAD using Thera-Band. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activity of UT, LT, and SA during Y-raise exercise with and without IAD. Paired t-test was used to analyze the significance of the muscle activity of UT, LT, and SA as well as the activity ratio of LT/UT and LT/SA. The significance level was set at [Formula: see text] 0.05. RESULTS: Compared with Y-raise exercise without IAD, the muscle activity of UT and SA decreased ([Formula: see text] 0.001 and [Formula: see text] 0.003, respectively), whereas that of LT increased ([Formula: see text] 0.038) during Y-raise exercise with IAD. Additionally, the activity ratio of LT/UT and LT/SA was greater during Y-raise exercise with IAD ([Formula: see text] 0.001 and [Formula: see text] 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Y-raise exercise with IAD using Thera-Band is recommended as an efficient exercise to selectively activate the LT and increase the activity ratio of LT/UT and LT/SA.
On n-Dimensional Maxwell and Dirac Equations in Curved Space-Time and Its Applications in SO(P,Q) Group Theoretic Image Processing
Authors: Parthasarathy Harish 
Published: April 2024

Maxwell equations in p time and q spatial dimensions are formulated. Properties of the Green’s function for the associated (p,q)-wave operator are derived based on contour integration. The notions of electric and magnetic fields in (p,q)-dimensions is explored by analogy with four dimensional physics and the problem of far field computation of the radiation field generated by charges and currents in \((1,n-1)\) space-time is analyzed. SO(p,q) invariance properties of the Maxwell equations are deduced and used to formulate SO(p,q)-group theoretic image processing problems in (p,q)-dimensions. Dirac’s equation in (p,q)-dimensional space-time is derived using the Clifford algebra of the Dirac gamma matrices. SO(p,q)-invariance of the Dirac equation based on the spinor representation of \(SO(p,q)\) is mentioned. The Maxwell’s equations in (p,q)-dimensional curved space-time is analyzed using perturbation theory in the context of maximally symmetric spaces which play a fundamental role in \((p,q)\)-dimensional cosmological models for homogeneous and isotropic spaces. The Einstein-Maxwell equations for (p,q)-dimensional gravity and electromagnetism is studied and used to derive the equations of motion of point charges carrying mass moving under mutual gravitational and electromagnetic interactions in general relativity. Finally, Dirac’s equation in (p,q)-dimensional curved space-time interacting with the (p,q)-dimensional electromagnetic field is looked at. \(U(1)\)-Gauge, local SO(p,q) Lorentz and diffeomorphism invariance of this equation is analyzed. Local \(SO(p,q)\) invariance of the curved space-time Dirac equation is deduced based on transformation properties of the Dirac matrices under the spinor representation. The appendix presents some applications of group representation theoretic statistical image processing on a manifold to the situation when the image field is described by the six component electromagnetic field tensor on which the Lorentz group acts.
Study of Variation in the Dialect of Various Region of India: Review
Authors: Patil Shweta , Shivani U Patole  
Published: April 2024

‌Dialect refers to different characteristic of language of a specific group of speakers. These dialects are closely related and often mutually understandable, especially if close geographical region. Dialects can be sociolect, ethnolect, or regiolect, and can be associated with social class, ethnic group, or geographical/regional factors .Any variety of a language can classified as a dialect. Migration is most important factor for idiosyncrasy in languages in particular area. A region wise variation in language of people is know as dialect. Dialects is an important aspect of speaker variability. To express the individual quality of specific region. Children encounter multi-dialectal interactions. An review paper described techniques contributed for India regional language processing it gives information about sources of dataset for the Indian regional languages.
New-onset atrial fibrillation following arteriovenous fistula increases adverse clinical events in dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Song Wenhui , Wu Lizhou , Sun Chong , Kong Xianglei , Wang Haiyan 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundEnd-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have a high potential cardiovascular burden, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for MHD patients, but AVF significantly affects the haemodynamics of the cardiovascular system, leading to or exacerbating CVD, including atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of AVF on cardiac function, especially of the left atrium (LA), in patients with ESRD and to further explore the relationship between AVF establishment and the occurrence of AF.MethodsWe selected 1,107 ESRD patients on haemodialysis using AVF and 550 patients with tunneled-cuffed catheters (TCC) admitted between January 2016 and December 2022 for follow-up to compare the rate of AF between the two groups. A total of 153 patients in the AVF group with complete information (clinical data, echocardiographic and biochemical indices, and other data) were enrolled and retrospectively analysed for risk factors for the development of AF and were followed up for adverse clinical outcomes (including all-cause death, cardiac death, readmission due to heart failure, and stroke).ResultsThe incidence of new-onset AF was higher in the AVF group than the TCC group after dialysis access was established (16.30% vs. 5.08%, P &lt; 0.001). Echocardiography showed that the LA anteroposterior diameter increased (P &lt; 0.001) and the incidence of AF increased from 11.76% to 26.14% (P = 0.001) after AVF establishment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and LA enlargement were independent risk factors for new-onset AF after AVF establishment (P &lt; 0.05). Adverse clinical outcomes were more common in patients with AF than in patients without AF (P &lt; 0.001). Multivariate Cox risk regression analysis suggested that new-onset AF (HR = 4.08, 95% CI: 2.00–8.34, P &lt; 0.001) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (HR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.20–4.88, P = 0.01) after AVF establishment were independent risk factors for adverse clinical outcomes.ConclusionLA enlargement after AVF establishment is associated with a significant increase in the incidence of AF, in addition, AF which is as an important influential factor in patients with MHD combined other systemic diseases might increase adverse clinical events.Clinical Trial Registration(NCT 06199609)
Type 1 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Tuo Lin , Yan Li-ting , Liu Yi , Yang Xing-xiang 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundNAFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) is becoming an increasingly common cause of chronic liver disease. Metabolic dysfunction, overweight/obesity, and diabetes are thought to be closely associated with increased NAFLD risk. However, few studies have focused on the mechanisms of NAFLD occurrence in T1DM.MethodsWe conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal association between T1DM and NAFLD with/without complications, such as coma, renal complications, ketoacidosis, neurological complications, and ophthalmic complications. Multiple Mendelian randomization methods, such as the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, weighted median method, and MR-Egger test were performed to evaluate the causal association of T1DM and NAFLD using genome-wide association study summary data from different consortia, such as Finngen and UK biobank.ResultsWe selected 37 SNPs strongly associated with NAFLD/LFC (at a significance level of p &lt; 5 × 10−8) as instrumental variables from the Finnish database based on the T1DM phenotype (8,967 cases and 308,373 controls). We also selected 14/16 SNPs based on with or without complications. The results suggest that the genetic susceptibility of T1DM does not increase the risk of NAFLD (OR=1.005 [0.99, 1.02], IVW p=0.516, MR Egger p=0.344, Weighted median p=0.959, Weighted mode p=0.791), regardless of whether complications are present. A slight causal effect of T1DM without complications on LFC was observed (OR=1.025 [1.00, 1.03], MR Egger p=0.045). However, none of the causal relationships were significant in the IVW (p=0.317), Weighted median (p=0.076), and Weighted mode (p=0.163) methods.ConclusionOur study did not find conclusive evidence for a causal association between T1DM and NAFLD, although clinical observations indicate increasing abnormal transaminase prevalence and NAFLD progression in T1DM patients.
Glucagon kinetics assessed by mathematical modelling during oral glucose administration in people spanning from normal glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes
Authors: Andreozzi Francesco , Mancuso Elettra , Rubino Mariangela , Salvatori Benedetta , Morettini Micaela , Monea Giuseppe , Göbl Christian , Mannino Gaia Chiara , Tura Andrea 
Published: April 2024

Background/ObjectivesGlucagon is important in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis, with also effects on lipids. In this study, we aimed to apply a recently developed model of glucagon kinetics to determine the sensitivity of glucagon variations (especially, glucagon inhibition) to insulin levels (“alpha-cell insulin sensitivity”), during oral glucose administration.Subjects/MethodsWe studied 50 participants (spanning from normal glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes) undergoing frequently sampled 5-hr oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The alpha-cell insulin sensitivity and the glucagon kinetics were assessed by a mathematical model that we developed previously.ResultsThe alpha-cell insulin sensitivity parameter (named SGLUCA; “GLUCA”: “glucagon”) was remarkably variable among participants (CV=221%). SGLUCA was found inversely correlated with the mean glycemic values, as well as with 2-hr glycemia of the OGTT. When stratifying participants into two groups (normal glucose tolerance, NGT, N=28, and impaired glucose regulation/type 2 diabetes, IGR_T2D, N=22), we found that SGLUCA was lower in the latter (1.50 ± 0.50·10-2vs. 0.26 ± 0.14·10-2 ng·L-1GLUCA/pmol·L-1INS, in NGT and IGR_T2D, respectively, p=0.009; “INS”: “insulin”).ConclusionsThe alpha-cell insulin sensitivity is highly variable among subjects, and it is different in groups at different glucose tolerance. This may be relevant for defining personalized treatment schemes, in terms of dietary prescriptions but also for treatments with glucagon-related agents.
Anthropogenic activities dominated the spatial and temporal changes of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in the Hehuang valley in the northeastern Qinghai Province between 2000 and 2020
Authors: Xu Bin , Mao Xufeng , Li Xingyue , Wei Xiaoyan , Zhang Ziping , Tang Wenjia , Yu Hongyan , Wu Yi 
Published: April 2024

The Hehuang Valley (HV) is a key development area in the Qinghai Province; understanding changes in the vegetation within this area is of great significance if we are to maintain the ecological quality of this regional environment. Based on the 30 m spatial resolution Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series dataset, this paper analyzes the spatial and temporal characteristics and evolutionary trends of NDVI in the HV from 2001 to 2020 under the influences of climate change and human activities, by applying Mann-Kendall trend analysis, the Hurst index, and residual analysis. Analysis showed that firstly, high NDVI values (&gt;0.5) were distributed in the low elevation areas of the HV except for towns and cropland, while the low NDVI values (&lt;0.5) were mainly distributed in the high elevation regions; the NDVI exhibited an increasing trend over the study period. Second, human activities promoted NDVI growth in the HV by changing land-use types, although there is a risk of vegetation degradation in the future. Third, the proportion of NDVI changes affected by climate change and human activities was determined to be 87.24% of the HV; furthermore, the contribution of human activities was three-fold higher than that of climate change. Fourth, managers should scientifically manage grasslands and forests and implement specific anthropogenic interventions based on the characteristics of regional NDVI degradation, to improve ecosystem resilience. These results can be used to quantitatively analyze the relative contributions of natural and anthropogenic factors to the ecological changes in the HV, and provide reference guidelines for the management of ecological environments.
State care services as devices of acceptance to the social body: the case of Afro-descendant migrant mothers in Chile, beneficiaries of the National Child Health Program
Authors: Reyes Muñoz Yafza , Reyes Muñoz Vania 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionIn the field of medical anthropology, particularly from the practices of medical care in a situated context, the text discusses how state care services under the “National Child Health Programme” implemented by nursing professionals in Chile transmit values and expectations that could be transformed into devices of acceptance to the social body for migrant mothers of African descent who come with their children to health centres.MethodsThe Methodology employed in this study was devised through a case study in the commune of Talca, within the Maule region, utilizing semi-structured interviews with nurses who work within the Programme, as well as open interviews and thematic workshops with migrant women users of the Programme.ResultsThe results point to the valuation of the programme by the women, who identify it as an instance of providing and receiving care for their children; they also recognise that they are judged by their caregivers for not “correctly” following the instructions given to them with their children living in Chile or for exercising transnational maternity. On the other hand, nursing professionals revealed racial and class prejudices about women of African descent, especially Haitian women.DiscussionIt is suggested that this programme, recognized regionally as an effective assistance and care policy in the fight against infant mortality and morbidity, becomes an acculturation device for migrant mothers and their children born in Chile. It is expected that both mothers and children adhere to the program’s guidelines, resulting in similar behaviours and attitudes as those of Chilean mothers. This generates few instances of learning and appreciation of the native cultures of the new Chilean infants and reveals that categories of differences such as ethno-racial, gender, and migratory status are articulated in the nurses’ health practices, emphasising the mandate to follow the instructions of migrant mothers and their children.
Development of a visual Adhesion/Invasion Inhibition Assay to assess the functionality of Shigella-specific antibodies
Authors: Batani Giampiero , Vezzani Giacomo , Lashchuk Sabrina , Allaoui Abdelmounaaim , Cardamone Dario , Raso Maria Michelina , Boero Elena , Roscioli Emanuele , Ridelfi Matteo , Gasperini Gianmarco , Pizza Mariagrazia , Rossi Omar , Berlanda Scorza Francesco , Micoli Francesca , Rappuoli Rino , Sala Claudia 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionShigella is the etiologic agent of a bacillary dysentery known as shigellosis, which causes millions of infections and thousands of deaths worldwide each year due to Shigella’s unique lifestyle within intestinal epithelial cells. Cell adhesion/invasion assays have been extensively used not only to identify targets mediating host-pathogen interaction, but also to evaluate the ability of Shigella-specific antibodies to reduce virulence. However, these assays are time-consuming and labor-intensive and fail to assess differences at the single-cell level.Objectives and methodsHere, we developed a simple, fast and high-content method named visual Adhesion/Invasion Inhibition Assay (vAIA) to measure the ability of anti-Shigellaantibodies to inhibit bacterial adhesion to and invasion of epithelial cells by using the confocal microscope Opera Phenix.ResultsWe showed that vAIA performed well with a pooled human serum from subjects challenged with S. sonnei and that a specific anti-IpaD monoclonal antibody effectively reduced bacterial virulence in a dose-dependent manner.DiscussionvAIA can therefore inform on the functionality of polyclonal and monoclonal responses thereby supporting the discovery of pathogenicity mechanisms and the development of candidate vaccines and immunotherapies. Lastly, this assay is very versatile and may be easily applied to other Shigella species or serotypes and to different pathogens.