bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of a cognitive training therapy based on stimulation of brain oscillations in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment in a Chilean sample: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Vargas Alejandra Mabel Figueroa , Góngora Begoña , Alonso María Francisca , Ortega Alonso , Soto Patricio , Zepeda Lucía , Ramírez Sebastián , González Francisca , Muñoz Paula , Billeke Pablo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The ageing population has increased the prevalence of disabling and high-cost diseases, such as Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The latter can be considered a prodromal phase of some dementias and a critical stage for interventions to postpone the impairment of functionality. Working memory (WM) is a pivotal cognitive function, representing the fundamental element of executive functions. This project proposes an intervention protocol to enhance WM in these users, combining cognitive training with transcranial electrical stimulation of alternating current (tACS). This technique has been suggested to enhance the neuronal plasticity needed for cognitive processes involving oscillatory patterns. WM stands to benefit significantly from this approach, given its well-defined electrophysiological oscillations. Therefore, tACS could potentially boost WM in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
Methods
This study is a phase IIb randomised, double-blind clinical trial with a 3-month follow-up period. The study participants will be 62 participants diagnosed with MCI, aged over 60, from Valparaíso, Chile. Participants will receive an intervention combining twelve cognitive training sessions with tACS. Participants will receive either tACS or placebo stimulation in eight out of twelve training sessions. Sessions will occur twice weekly over six weeks. The primary outcomes will be electroencephalographic measurements through the prefrontal theta oscillatory activity, while the secondary effects will be cognitive assessments of WM. The participants will be evaluated before, immediately after, and three months after the end of the intervention.
Discussion. The outcomes of this trial will add empirical evidence about the benefits and feasibility of an intervention that combines cognitive training with non-invasive brain stimulation. The objective is to contribute tools for optimal cognitive treatment in patients with MCI. To enhance WM capacity, postpone the impairment of functionality, and obtain a better quality of life.
Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05291208. Registered on 28 February 2022. ISRCTN87597719 retrospectively registered on 15 September 2023
Cryopurification and microbial fuel cell process as a combined approach to treat mine-impacted water
Authors: Allen Ethan , Popugaeva Daria , Munoz-Cupa Carlos , Bassi Amarjeet S , Kreyman Konstantin , Ray Ajay K 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In the current study, a water treatment approach integrating freezing technology, so-called cryopurification, and microbial fuel cell (MFC) process is proposed and tested towards zinc removal. Contaminated water samples used for laboratory experiments were received from the Faro Mine site, Yukon, Canada. Through cryopurification, the effect of freezing temperature, mixing and the direction of ice front propagation on zinc removal from the Faro mine water was investigated and quantitively analyzed. The MFC was used to treat a post-cryopurification brine, both at a laboratory scale. When the coolant temperature ranged from − 5 to − 1 ̊C and 180 rpm solution mixing was used, up to 80–95% of zinc was removed after a single freezing cycle. The results of laboratory experiments demonstrated that zinc concentrations in mine water can be reduced by cryopurification to 0.5 mg/L (effluent quality standard) under optimal experimental conditions. The MFC process was run for 120 h to test the capacity of the microorganism (Shewanella oneidensis) towards zinc removal from the brine concentrated by freezing. Based on the results of laboratory experiments, MFC showed a reliable and high zinc removal up to 90–93% with Shewanella oneidensis incubated in the anode. The MFC generated a power density and open-circuit voltage with a maximum result of 8.8 mW/m2 and 168.5 mV, respectively.
SEAD: an augmented reference panel with 22,134 haplotypes boosts the rare variants imputation and GWAS analysis in Asian population
Authors: Zheng Hou-Feng , Yang Meng-yuan , Zhong Jia-Dong , Li Xin , Bai Wei-Yang , Yuan Cheng-Da , Qiu Mo-Chang , Liu Ke-Qi , Yu Chun-Fu , Li Nan , Yang Ji-Jian , Liu Yu-Heng , Yu Shi-Hui , Zhao Wei-Wei , Liu Jun-Quan , Sun Yi , Cong Peikuan , Khederzadeh Saber , Zhao Pianpian , Qian Yu , Guan Peng-Lin , Gu Jia-Xuan , Gai Si-Rui , Yi Xiang-Jiao , Tao Jianguo , Chen Xiang , Miao Mao-Mao , Lei Lan-Xin , Xu Lin , Xie Shu-Yang , Tian Geng , Li Jinchen , Guo Jifeng , Karasik David , Yang Liu , Tang Beisha , Huang Fei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Here, we present the South and East Asian Reference Database (SEAD) reference panel (https://imputationserver.westlake.edu.cn/), which comprises whole genome sequencing data from 11,067 individuals across 17 countries in Asia. The SEAD panel, which excludes singleton variants, consists of 22,134 haplotypes and 80,367,720 variants. Firstly, we assessed the concordance rate in global populations using HGDP datasets, notably, the SEAD panel showed advantage in East Asia, Central and South Asia, and Oceania populations. When imputing the disease-associated variants of Asian population, the SEAD panel displayed a distinct preponderance in imputing low-frequency and rare variants. In imputation of Chinese population, the SEAD panel imputed a larger number of well-imputed sites across all minor allele frequency (MAF) bins. Additionally, the SEAD panel exhibited higher imputation accuracy for shared sites in all MAF bins. Finally, we applied the augmented SEAD panel to conduct a discovery and replication genome-wide association study (GWAS) for hip and femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD) traits within the 5,369 Westlake BioBank for Chinese (WBBC) samples. The single-variant test suggests that rare variants near SNTG1 gene are associated with hip BMD (rs60103302, MAF = 0.0091, P = 4.79×10− 8). The spatial clustering analysis also suggests the association of this gene (Pslide_window=1.08×10− 8, Pgene_centric=4.72×10− 8). The gene and variants achieved a suggestive level for FN BMD. This gene was not reported previously, and the preliminary experiment demonstrated that the identified rare variant can upregulate the SNTG1 expression, which in turn inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of preosteoblast.
Productive performance, digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality in rabbits fed triticale-based diets supplemented with xylanase
Authors: Galeano-Díaz Johana Paola , Torres Juan Edrei Sanchez , Domínguez-Vara Ignacio Arturo , Morales-Almaraz Ernesto , Bribiesca Jacinto Efrén Ramírez , Cruz-Monterrosa Rosy Gabriela , Ramírez Miguel Cervantes , Carranza Benjamín Valladarez 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cereals such as triticale may contain high levels of xylans and arabinoxylans, limiting its use in diets since they act as anti-nutritional factors. The objective was to evaluate the effects of the enzyme xylanase included in triticale-based diets on productive performance, digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality in growing-finishing rabbits. Eighty rabbits (New Zealand X California breed), 35 days old, with an average initial live weight of 821 ± 26 g, were used. Twenty animals for treatment were used in each one of the fourth experimental treatments: 0, 4000, 8000 and 12000 XU/kg of xylanase inclusion (XilaBlend 6X). The rabbits were fed ad libitum and fecal excretion was collected on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 of the experimental period. At the end of the experimental period, the rabbits were slaughtered and carcass characteristics and meat quality were measured. A higher (P < 0.05) live weight was observed in rabbits fed diets with the addition of xylanase enzyme on days 4 and 7 of the experimental period. On the other hand, in the average total tract digestibility of organic matter, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed, similar to what occurred in the carcass traits and nutritional quality of the meat (P > 0.05). The inclusion of 8000 XU/kg of xylanase enzyme provided the best values of apparent digestibility of total tract protein and dry matter on the finished stage of rabbits.
Global methane emissions from natural gas networks
Authors: Hureau Geoffroy , Lecarpentier Armelle , Serbutoviez Sylvain , Kaniewicz Jean , Madden Mike , Brooks Chris , Robertson Aileen , Harrison Colin , Langston Chris , ravalec mickaele le 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Given the significant global warming power and short atmospheric lifetime of methane, one of the most effective mitigation strategies for limiting global warming over the short term is to target the anthropogenic sources of methane and rapidly reduce their emissions. The unaccounted for gas phenomenon in natural gas transmission and distribution networks reflects an imbalance between what enters the gas network and what leaves it. The aim of this paper is to investigate the possibility of leaks along these gas networks, and to determine whether this leads to methane emissions, since natural gas is mainly composed of methane. First, flow data measured along gas networks are collected and used to assess unaccounted for gas by country. A global average value of 1.7% is observed, but with significant disparities between regions ranging from 0.01% to 15%. Second, unaccounted for gas values permit to assess the quantities of methane released into the atmosphere by gas networks. In total, 18 Mt of methane were emitted in 2021. The main producing countries present high unaccounted for gas volumes and methane emissions, which can be explained by the age of their gas networks. Conversely, networks in more recent markets or advanced countries have fewer leaks, leading to more moderate methane emissions. This shows than methane emissions can be reduced in well-maintained networks. The accounting method developed in this article would make it possible to verify the emissions reductions announced for gas networks in the future if repeated over time.
Hepatic Sarcoidosis- an Unusual Cause of Jaundice: a Case Report
Authors: Majumder Touhidul Karim , Khalil Md.Musab , Siddqui Ashfaque Ahmed , Chowdhury Moshfiqur Rahman , Parvin Sultana , Islam Muhammed Saiful , Arefin Muhammad Sayedul 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a chronic disorder. Its hallmark is the presence of noncaseating granuloma. Most cases are asymptomatic. However, few of them progress to liver cirrhosis and liver failure. Treatment of hepatic sarcoidosis is challenging as there is no large randomized controlled till date has been done to evaluate the efficacy of drugs. The Unique characteristic of this case report is that Sarcoidosis may present with jaundice and need to be borne in mind when a patient presenting with jaundice and no usual cause failed to be identify any usual cause. Despite having sarcoidosis, the patient did not have any respiratory symptom.
Case presentation: We are presenting a case of hepatic sarcoidosis who presented with abdominal pain, fever and jaundice. After excluding of all common causes of jaundice, hepatic sarcoidosis was diagnosed with liver biopsy. Conclusion: High levels of suspicion is needed to diagnose hepatic sarcoidosis as this is an unusual cause of jaundice. Although rare, hepatic sarcoidosis can be treated with steroids. The prime take-away message from this case report is to consider Sarcoidosis as an unusual but treatable cause of jaundice when the conventional causes are failed to be the cause of jaundice.
Effectiveness of aquatic exercise versus other therapeutic modalities in patients with knee osteoarthritis pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Valenzuela-Fuenzalida Juan José , Barahona-Vásquez Marisol , López-Chaparro Michelle , Martínez-Hernández Daniela , Ávila-Sepulveda Roberto , Orellana-Donoso Mathias , Nova-Baeza Pablo , Bruna-Mejias Alejandro , Probst Vanessa S , Sepúlveda-Loyola Walter , Espinoza Héctor Gutiérrez 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This systematic review explores the most current evidence regarding aquatic exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain. The review also seeks to provide guidelines for the best approach and treatment for patients experiencing this type of pain. To study the relationship between aquatic exercise and knee osteoarthritis, with emphasis on the reduction of pain caused by the disease. We systematically search the databases MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science. The findings of this review show that aquatic exercise presents statistically significant changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) stiffness, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) [standardized mean difference (SMD) -5.46 (-5.82 to -5.11), -0.82 (-1.09 to -0.55), and − 1.53 (-1.96 to -1.09), respectively].This systematic review and meta-analysis shows that there is a statistically significant difference in some of the scales evaluated for functional results, stiffness, and pain reduction in the treatment with aquatic exercises for knee OA; however, we believe that more studies should be carried out to support these results from the mechanical, physiological, and clinical points of view.
Cell-free biodegradable electroactive scaffold for urinary bladder regeneration
Authors: Ameer Guillermo , Keate Rebecca , Bury Matthew , Mendez-Santos Maria , Gerena Andres , Goedegebuure Madeleine , Rivnay Jonathan , Sharma Arun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Tissue engineering heavily relies on cell-seeded scaffolds to support the complex biological and mechanical requirements of a target organ. However, in addition to safety and efficacy, translation of tissue engineering technology will depend on manufacturability, affordability, and ease of adoption. Therefore, there is a need to develop scalable biomaterial scaffolds with sufficient bioactivity to eliminate the need for exogenous cell seeding. Herein, we describe synthesis, characterization, and implementation of an electroactive biodegradable elastomer for urinary bladder tissue engineering. To create an electrically conductive and mechanically robust scaffold to support bladder tissue regeneration, we developed a phase-compatible functionalization method wherein the hydrophobic conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was polymerized in situ within a similarly hydrophobic citrate-based elastomer poly(octamethylene-citrate-co-octanol) (POCO) film. We demonstrate the efficacy of this film as a scaffold for bladder augmentation in athymic rats, comparing PEDOT-POCO scaffolds to mesenchymal stromal cell-seeded POCO scaffolds. PEDOT-POCO recovered bladder function and anatomical structure comparably to the cell-seeded POCO scaffolds and significantly better than non-cell seeded POCO scaffolds. This manuscript reports: (1) a new phase-compatible functionalization method that confers electroactivity to a biodegradable elastic scaffold, and (2) the successful restoration of the anatomy and function of an organ using a cell-free electroactive scaffold.
Loss of TREM2 function in mice leads to blood-brain barrier impairment, pathological leakage, and cognitive deficits due to microglial CCL2 upregulation
Authors: Tang Yi , Yang Han-Chen , Yin Yun-Si , Wang Meng , He Bao-Dong , Liang Ye , Li Rui-Yang , Yu Chao-Ji , Di Run , Xu Zhi-Qing , Liu Chang-Mei , Qin Qi , Teng Zhao-Qian 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment, which causes leakage of harmful peripheral substances into the brain, is an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Microglia are known to regulate BBB integrity, but the underlying mechanisms of this process remain unclear. We here analyzed BBB permeability and structural integrity in mice. Loss of TREM2 function was found to impair the structural integrity of the BBB; TREM2-deficient microglia showed CCL2 upregulation via activation of the NFκB pathway. The CCL2-CCR2 axis reduced the expression of endothelial tight junction proteins, including claudin-5, occludin, and ZO-1. BBB impairment led to increased leakage of amyloid β (Aβ) and β2-microglobulin (β2M) from peripheral tissues into the brain parenchyma, accelerating the formation of Aβ plaques and subsequent cognitive decline. Importantly, pharmacological blocking of CCR2 restored the BBB integrity, prevented peripheral Aβ deposition in the brain, and improved cognitive function in Trem2-knockout mice. Collectively, these results suggested that loss of TREM2 function induced BBB impairment and accelerated AD progression. Our study thus establishes TREM2 as a critical target for future studies of treatments to prevent and mitigate the effects of AD.
Near-surface maximum wind speed prediction of XGBoost model based on k-nearest neighbor mutual information feature selection
Authors: xiaoyan huang , Huasheng Zhao , Yushuang Wu , Li He , ying huang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This study focused on predicting the near-surface maximum wind speed using the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model based on k-nearest neighbor mutual information feature selection. The data from 93 meteorological stations in Guangxi Province from 2016 to 2021, with a temporal resolution of 3 h, were used for the prediction. By examining the effects of various dynamic and thermal factors, such as high altitudes and surface variables, on the prediction of maximum wind speed, a novel XGBoost-based prediction model for maximum wind speed was proposed. The model incorporates the k-nearest neighbor mutual information feature selection algorithm to choose the most relevant factors for accurate wind speed prediction. In the design of the prediction model, there are two main areas of improvement. First, a stepwise variable selection algorithm based on k-nearest neighbor mutual information estimation was employed, which selects relevant variables and removes weakly relevant variables through two steps, effectively eliminating redundant prediction characteristics that affect accuracy by screening the primary predictors and retaining important forecasting factors. Second, the Bayesian optimization algorithm was used to optimize the parameters in the XGBoost model, significantly enhancing the model's generalizability. The optimized and improved prediction model was utilized to model and research the near-surface maximum wind speed for 6 forecast lead times (12–72 h) at 93 meteorological stations. Comparative results of various forecast experiments using independent prediction samples from 2020 to 2021 demonstrated that the new model reduced the average mean absolute error (MAE) evaluation metric by 18.9–30.06% for the prediction results of the 93 stations. The root mean square error (RMSE) metric decreased by 40.18–65.83%. For the prediction of maximum wind speeds exceeding level 6, the MAE was reduced by 40.41%, 25.93%, 19.96%, 21.39%, 12.39%, and 8.55% for the 6 forecast lead times, respectively. The RMSE evaluation metric also decreased by 30.92%, 18.67%, 12.29%, 12.21%, 7.92%, and 2.39% for the respective lead times. The improved model demonstrated consistent prediction performance and significantly enhanced accuracy.
Observation of Neutron Emission During Acoustic Cavitation of Deuterated Titanium Powder
Authors: Fomitchev-Zamilov Max 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In recent years there has been an explosion of commercial interest in fusion. This resurgence is driven in part by the desire to accelerate the transition away from hydrocarbons and and in part by slower than anticipated progress of the publicly funded fusion projects such as NIF and ITER. In this regard it is important to look for new ideas. One such idea involves a possibility of achieving nuclear fusion in solid state. Indeed, a solid-state fusion reactor devoid of complex plasma confinement tech would be remarkable. In this article we lift the veil over this possibility and report the observation of neutron emission coincident with acoustic cavitation of deuterated titanium powder suspended in mineral oil. The resulting neutron emission was detected using an assembly of 3He proportional neutron counters. The peak neutron count rate was in excess of 6,500 CPM, more than 10,000 times in excess of background. The observed neutron emission was coincident with the application of acoustic influence. The neutrons were present only when secondary acoustic waves originating from the complex bubble interactions inside the reactor constructively interfered resulting in massive, sharp pressure peaks on the order of a few thousand psi. We were able to sustain the neutron production for several hours and repeated the experiment multiple times under various conditions. We hypothesize that the observed neutrons originate from nuclear fusion of deuterium ions dissolved in titanium lattice due to the mechanical action of the impinging cavitation jets, although other processes (such as spallation) still need to be ruled out.