bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activin type I receptor polymorphisms and body composition in older individuals with sarcopenia—Analyses from the LACE randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bashir Tufail , Achison Marcus , Adamson Simon , Akpan Asangaedem , Aspray Terry , Avenell Alison , Band Margaret M. , Burton Louise A. , Cvoro Vera , Donnan Peter T. , Duncan Gordon W. , George Jacob , Gordon Adam L. , Gregson Celia L. , Hapca Adrian , Hume Cheryl , Jackson Thomas A. , Kerr Simon , Kilgour Alixe , Masud Tahir , McKenzie Andrew , McKenzie Emma , Patel Harnish , Pilvinyte Kristina , Roberts Helen C. , Rossios Christos , Sayer Avan A. , Smith Karen T. , Soiza Roy L. , Steves Claire J. , Struthers Allan D. , Tiwari Divya , Whitney Julie , Witham Miles D. , Kemp Paul R. 
Published: November 2023

Background
Ageing is associated with changes in body composition including an overall reduction in muscle mass and a proportionate increase in fat mass. Sarcopenia is characterised by losses in both muscle mass and strength. Body composition and muscle strength are at least in part genetically determined, consequently polymorphisms in pathways important in muscle biology (e.g., the activin/myostatin signalling pathway) are hypothesised to contribute to the development of sarcopenia.

Methods
We compared regional body composition measured by DXA with genotypes for two polymorphisms (rs10783486, minor allele frequency (MAF) = 0.26 and rs2854464, MAF = 0.26) in the activin 1B receptor (ACVR1B) determined by PCR in a cross-sectional analysis of DNA from 110 older individuals with sarcopenia from the LACE trial.

Results
Neither muscle mass nor strength showed any significant associations with either genotype in this cohort. Initial analysis of rs10783486 showed that males with the AA/AG genotype were taller than GG males (174±7cm vs 170±5cm, p = 0.023) and had higher arm fat mass, (median higher by 15%, p = 0.008), and leg fat mass (median higher by 14%, p = 0.042). After correcting for height, arm fat mass remained significantly higher (median higher by 4% padj = 0.024). No associations (adjusted or unadjusted) were seen in females. Similar analysis of the rs2854464 allele showed a similar pattern with the presence of the minor allele (GG/AG) being associated with greater height (GG/AG = 174±7 cm vs AA = 170 ±5cm, p = 0.017) and greater arm fat mass (median higher by 16%, p = 0.023). Again, the difference in arm fat remained after correction for height. No similar associations were seen in females analysed alone.

Conclusion
These data suggest that polymorphic variation in the ACVR1B locus could be associated with body composition in older males. The activin/myostatin pathway might offer a novel potential target to prevent fat accumulation in older individuals.
Aplikasi Spherical Trigonometry dalam Menentukan Arah Kiblat Umat Islam
Authors: Maknun Churun Lu'lu'il 
Published: November 2023

Matematika banyak diterapkan di berbagai bidang keilmuan, seperti sains, teknologi, ekonomi termasuk dalam bidang agama. Salah satu penerapan penting matematika dalam agama khususnya agama Islam adalah dalam menentukan arah kiblat. Hal ini penting karena kondisi permukaan bumi yang terus berubah akibat pergeseran lempeng sehingga arah kiblat secara kontinu akan terus dilakukan. Hasil dan pembahasan dalam artikel ini diperoleh melalui kajian literatur dengan cara mengkonstruksi definisi dan teorema yang berkaitan dengan bentuk permukaan bumi, dan perhitungan geometris pada elipsoid. Dengan menggunakan prinsip geometri bola, segitiga bola dan trigonometri bola yang mencerminkan bentuk bumi yang berupa ellipsoid dapat dirumuskan cara menghitung arah kiblat untuk setiap daerah di permukaan bumi, yaitu dengan menggunakan aturan kosinus sebagai berikut: cos B= (cos b - cos a cos c)/sin a sin c. Selain itu disajikan pula bagaimana penggunaan rumus tersebut dengan menerapkan teknologi Google Earth dalam contoh konkrit penentuan arah kiblat dari suatu kota di Indonesia ke Kabah. Ketepatan penentuan koordinat lokasi menjadi penentu presisi dari sudut arah kiblat.
[There are numerous applications of mathematics in other fields such as science, technology, economics and religion. One of the most important application of mathematics in religion is its use in deciding the direction of Kaaba for Moslem. This problem is important since the earth surface periodically changes due to the tectonic shift. The result of this study retrieved from literature study by constructing both the definitions and theorems of earth surface and geometrics calculation on ellipsoid. Using the spherical geometry, spherical trigonometry, and spherical triangle the formula to calculate the angle of Kaaba direction from particular point was constructed as follows: cos B= (cos b - cos a cos c)/sin a sin c. Further, the explanation of how to use and calculate the formula was also presented in this paper using the asssistance of Google earth technology. To sum up, the precision of coordinate of location becames main factor to obtain exact angle.]
Enhancement of flexural behavior of hybrid flat slab by using SIFCON
Authors: Alsheameri Aliyaa M. , Rasheed Laith Sh. , Alsaad Aymen J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFlat slab systems are widely utilized in construction due to their versatility and efficient use of space. Nevertheless, they are susceptible to flexural failure, particularly in the tension zone. To address this issue, slurry-infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON) has been proposed as a solution owing to its exceptional strength and durability. This research examines the effect of utilizing SIFCON in the tension zone of flat slab systems to enhance their flexural performance. The study encompasses testing eight identical slabs, two of which were cast with normal concrete, while the remaining six were hybrid slabs incorporating SIFCON. The specimens were subjected to vertical loading to compare their flexural behavior and identify the optimal dimensions for the SIFCON layer. The slabs had identical dimensions but varied in reinforcement. Group A had a reinforcement ratio ofρ= 0.5%, whereas Group B had a ratio ofρ= 0.335%. All slabs had a constant thickness of the SIFCON layer of 20 mm in the tension zone but varied in the dimensions of the SIFCON layer (100, 50, 30%) from the slab dimensions. A square plate with dimensions (140 × 140 × 20) mm supported the load for all slabs. The load was applied gradually until failure, and the load–deflection curves were recorded for each slab. The result showed that using SIFCON in the tension zone improved the flexural resistance of flat slab systems. The hybrid slabs with SIFCON demonstrated higher ultimate loads and lower deflections than the control slabs that used regular concrete. In particular, the hybrid slabs with a 100% SIFCON layer exhibited the best results, with a rise in ultimate load of 179 and 100% for Groups A and B, respectively, compared to the control slabs. In addition, there was a significant decrease in deflection of 62.35 and 52.38% for Groups A and B, respectively, relative to the control slabs. The study found that the optimal combination of the SIFCON dimension was when the 50% slab dimension was covered and the reinforcing bar area for the hybrid reinforcement system was smaller.
Effect of cardiac rehabilitation therapy on depressed patients with cardiac insufficiency after cardiac surgery
Authors: Zhang Wenyu , Zhu Guangjian , Li Beibei , Chen Chen , Zhu Yingzhi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This study aims to analyze the effect of cardiac rehabilitation therapy on cardiac autonomic nervous function in patients with cardiac insufficiency complicated with anxiety depression after cardiac operation to provide a reference for clinical practice. A total of 109 patients subject to cardiac operation in our hospital from January 2020 to March 2023 were enrolled as study subjects, including 50 patients who received conventional rehabilitation therapy (control group) and 69 patients who received cardiac rehabilitation therapy (research group). Before and after treatment, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and central venous pressure (CVP) were determined, and the level of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured. Low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF), standard deviation of normal to normal (SDNN), and root mean of successive square differences (RMSSD) were measured by a multi-lead ECG system. Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Activity of daily living (ADL), and Barthel Index (BI) were applied for corresponding investigations, as well as the 6-min walk test (6MWT). After treatment, the research group showed higher LVEF, CVP, LF/HF, SDNN, and RMSSD, and lower NT-proBNP, SAS, and SDS than the control group (P < 0.05). Significantly elevated ADL score, BI, and 6MWT and reduced PSQI were observed in both groups after treatment, with more remarkable changes in the research group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, cardiac rehabilitation therapy effectively improved the cardiac function of patients with cardiac insufficiency complicated with anxiety and depression after the cardiac operation and alleviated their negative emotions.
lncRNA LENGA sponges miR-378 to promote myocardial fibrosis in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wu Liting , Gao Bingjing , Shen Mengyuan , Wei Lu , Li Zhumeng , Zhuang Wenfang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
miR-378 is known to suppress myocardial fibrosis, while its upstream regulators have not been identified. lncRNA LENGA is a recently identified lncRNA in cancer biology. We observed the altered expression of LENGA in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and predicted its interaction with miR-378. We then explored the interaction between LENGA and miR-378 in AF. Angiotensin-II (Ang-II)-induced human atrial cardiac fibroblasts and human atrial muscle tissues were collected and the expression of LENGA and miR-378 was determined by RT-qPCR. The interaction between LENGA and miR-378 was analyzed through bioinformatics analysis and confirmed by RNA pulldown assay. Cell proliferation and collagen production were analyzed through in vitro assay to analyze the role of LENGA and miR-378 in MF. AF patients showed increased expression of LENGA and deceased expression of miR-378 compared to the sinus rhythm group. LENGA and miR-378 interacted with each other, while they are not closely correlated with each other. Overexpression assay showed that LENGA and miR-378 overexpression failed to affect each other’s expression. LENGA promoted collagen production and proliferation of Ang-II-induced atrial fibroblasts, while miR-378 played opposite roles. Moreover, LENGA suppressed the function of miR-378. Therefore, LENGA may sponge miR-378 to promote MF in AF.
Key role of phenol enzymes metabolism in the legume-rhizobial symbiosis under different water supply regimes
Authors: Nyzhnyk T. , Kots S. 
Published: November 2023

The legume-rhizobium interaction induces formation of specific reactions that take metabolism in the host plant up to a new functional level, increasing its tolerance to unfavourable cultivation conditions. Our objective was to study the participation of key enzymes – phenylalanine ammonia lyase, guaiacol peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidases – in the phenol-metabolism processes and synthesis of a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites in soybean plants that have established symbiotic interactions with rhizobia of varying effectiveness during optimal and insufficient water supplies. In our studies, we used symbiotic systems of soybean and rhizobia (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) that varied in efficiency and virulence. In the period of active nitrogen fixation by soybean, from the third-true-leaf stage until budding, we created different water-supply regimes for the plants, including optimal watering at the level of 60% of full field capacity (control) and insufficient, at the level of 30% (drought). When the soybean was flowering, we recovered the optimal level of water supply (resumed watering). In the studies, we employed microbiological, biochemical, and physiological approaches. We determined the specificity of how key enzymes of the phenol metabolism such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase, polyphenol oxidase and guaiacol peroxidase in the nodules, roots, and leaves of the soybean reacted to different levels of water supply, depending on the functional efficiency of the symbiotic system involving strains of B. japonicum, varying in effectiveness and virulence. In the effective soybean-rhizobium symbiosis, there occurred insignificant changes in the activity of phenol-metabolism enzymes in the nodules, roots, and leaves during drought and after action of the stress. This evidence is that in symbiosis with effective rhizobia B1-20, soybean could realize its own defensive systems that regulate optimal functioning of phenol metabolism in dehydration conditions. In the low-effective 107 and ineffective 604k symbiotic systems of soybean, there was observed unstable dynamics of the activity of enzymes in leaves and roots, manifested in intensification or inhibition of their activity levels during drought or post-stress period. This indicates malfunctioning of the processes associated with phenol metabolism in the soybean plants. We concluded that tolerance of legume-rhizobium symbiosis to water deprivation depends on mutual involvements of the both symbiotic partners – host plant and rhizobia, their ability to fully realize the defensive systems for activation of the key enzymatic complexes taking part in regulation of phenol metabolism in plants.
Body-weight gains in Blaberus craniifer cockroaches and the intensity of their infection with gregarines and nematodes
Authors: Parhomenko O. V. , Lagutenko O. T. , Lebedynets N. V. , Brygadyrenko V. V. 
Published: November 2023

Intestinal parasites are considered to be able to hinder growth of the host animals, reducing the extent of food metabolism, damaging the intestines’ integrity by filling it with products of their metabolism. However, a long co-evolution can mitigate the negative impact of a parasite on the host organism. To study how parasites – nematodes Cranifera cranifera (Chitwood, 1932) Kloss, 1960 (Oxyurida, Thelastomatidae) and gregarines Protomagalhaensia granulosae Peregrine, 1970 and Blabericola cubensis (Peregrine, 1970) Clopton, 2009 (Eugregarinorida, Blabericolidae) – afffect the growth rates of cockroaches, we performed an experiment on 200 larvae of Blaberus craniifer Burmeister, 1838 (Blattodea, Blaberidae), varying in weight and age. We monitored changes in their body weight, intensity of food consumption, and after the experiment we counted gregarines in the midgut and nematodes in the hindgut. As a result, we found that 100% of the cockroaches were infected with two species of gregarines and one species of nematodes. The intestines of small cockroach larvae (weighing 300–400 mg) contained 16–18 specimens of gregarines on average. Large larvae had a weak tendency towards increase in the intensity of gregarine infestation. Similarly, there occurred changes in the intensity of nematode invasion: young larvae were infected on average by 8–10 specimens of nematodes and large larvae had an average of 12–14 nematodes. At the level of tendency, nematodes were observed to enhance the cockroaches’ growth rates following increase in intensity of the parasitic infection. We found that the two groups of parasites had no effect on one another: the number of gregarines had no effect on the number of specimens of nematodes and vice-versa, the number of nematodes had no effect on the number of gregarine specimens. Perhaps, this is related to different localizations of the parasites: gregarines for most of their life feed in the small intestine, while nematodes feed in the large intestine. Therefore, growth rates of the cockroaches in our experiment have not changed due to the parasites. This indicates minimization of negative effects of gregarines in the midgut and nematodes in the hindgut on the host’s life cycle, developed over long co-evolution.
Antifungal activity of the endophytic Aspergillus against Candida albicans
Authors: Nacef H. S. , Bouguerra A. , Belhattab R. 
Published: November 2023

Medicinal plants remain a reliable source of bioactive compound principles known for their proven therapeutic abilities against various infectious diseases. Endophytes, microorganisms residing within plant tissues, hold promise for producing novel metabolites with potential medical applications. This study analyzes the antagonism of endophytic fungi Aspergillus sp., isolated from medicinal plants, and their extract against Candida albicans, and their effectiveness was compared with that of a medical treatment, Phanazol 1% ointment. After isolating, purifying, and identifying endophytic fungi from the medicinal plants Lavandula officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Eucalyptus bicolor and Mentha piprita, a total of ten endophytic fungi were obtained. These included two yeasts (yeast and Rhodotorula sp.), as well as eight moulds (Aspergillus sp., Aspergillus niger, Nigrospora sp., Curvularia sp., Alternaria sp., Penicillium sp.), and sterile mycelium. All these fungi were tested for their antagonism against C. albicans; using the cross-streak and disk diffusion methods for yeasts and moulds respectively, with the measurement of the diameter of the growth inhibition zone of the culture. Only the strain Aspergillus sp. and its ethyl acetate extract exhibited good activity against C. albicans, with inhibition zone widths of 27.5 and 20.3 mm, respectively. Its effectiveness is comparable to that of Phanazol 1% ointment. The use of gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) unveiled the metabolite profiles of Aspergillus sp., enabling the recognition of 10 bioactive compounds, with butanedioic acid, kojic acid, and Cyclo L-prolyl-L-valine being the major ones, constituting 45.1%, 23.1%, and 5.1% of the total, respectively. These compounds serve as valuable platform chemicals that can be transformed into various other useful chemicals with various applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and the healthcare industry. In addition to refining the active substances within this extract, it has the potential to open doors for creating novel bio-sourced medications aimed at addressing resistant opportunistic fungal or bacterial infections.
Prevalence and determinants of occupational injuries among small-scale industry workers in sub-saharan Africa. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Atalay Yibeltal Assefa , Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu , Gelaw Kelemu Abebe 
Published: November 2023

Occupational injuries are manifestations of diseases because of different exposure in the workplace like Small-Scale cement factories, tanneries, textile and/or street sweeping, and woodworkers all of which affect the health condition and productivity. In sub-Saharan Africa, several primary studies were conducted regarding the magnitude of occupational injuries with a prevalence of 68.89% in street sweepers and determinant factors with inconsistent results. This meta-analysis aimed to the pooled prevalence of occupational injuries and their associated factors in Sub-Saharan Africa among workers working in small-Scale industries. PubMed, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Direct Google were systematically searched to identify primary studies. Three authors performed data abstraction and quality assessment for each included study independently. Cochran’s Q-statistic and I-squared statistics were used to check heterogeneity. The random-effects models were used to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of occupational injuries. Publication bias was checked by funnel plot and Egger’s test, and also sensitivity analyses were performed. 20 primary studies with 7,235 study participants were included in the Systematic review and meta-analysis of the pooled prevalence of occupational injuries among Small-Scale industry workers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The pooled prevalence of overall occupational injuries among Small-scale industry workers in Sub-Saharan Africa was 53.23% (95% CI= 44.71, 61.74). Training, Sleeping disturbance, and Educational level were significantly associated with occupational injuries. In this review, the pooled prevalence of occupational injuries was high. The findings of this study dictate the need for the implementation of workplace safety measures. Special attention is required for employees with lower educational levels and training.
PROSPECTIVE ELEMENTARY TEACHERS' AWARENESS ABOUT BIODIVERSITY: FOCUSING ON THEIR ABILITY TO IDENTIFY LOCAL FLORA
Authors: Nader Moafia , Aziz Fakhra , Jabeen Sadaf , Tabassum Rabia , Kashif Mahvish Fatima 
Published: November 2023

Purpose of the study: This research aimed to investigate the awareness level of Prospective elementary teachers about the Local Flora.
Methodology: Seventy prospective elementary school teachers from the Education faculty of two universities were targeted to collect data. An ad hoc questionnaire was developed to systematically assess the ability of ECT to identify name, type, and annual/biannual/all seasons and their reasons behind climate change. Gender-based analysis was carried out.
Main Findings: The results indicate that they have little ability to identify the native flora from the habitat in which they are living. Lawrence Garden, Racecourse Park, Shalimar Garden, and the University itself were considered native flora as this is the location of the research. Little awareness of the native flora was found to be an obstacle to its teaching and therefore to its conservation.
Recommendations based on the study: It is suggested that workshops and training courses for prospective teachers should be planned to enhance their ability to identify flora which would lead to its conservation later on.
Da ponderação: um estudo sobre o artigo 489, § 2º, do Código de Processo Civil
Authors: Alfaia Fábio Lopes , Dias Eduardo Rocha , Santos Jean Carlos Pimentel dos 
Published: November 2023

O artigo 489, § 2º, do Código de Processo Civil previu expressamente a utilização da ponderação ou balanceamento como meio de solução de conflitos não apenas entre princípios, mas igualmente envolvendo regras, permitindo-lhe um enquadramento dogmático e teórico que foge à sua tradicional compreensão como terceira etapa da aplicação do princípio da proporcionalidade na seara dos direitos fundamentais. Impõe-se compreender, nesse contexto, a espécie de norma jurídica pela qual se poderia enquadrar a ponderação bem como sua compreensão como meio de solução de conflitos entre princípios (proporcionalidade em sentido estrito ou balancing) e como meio de aplicação de uma regra (derrotabilidade ou defeasibility). Eminentemente descritivo e avaliativo, o presente trabalho apresentar uma visão não necessariamente nova sobre este por vezes controverso instituto, inadvertidamente alçado à condição de fonte primária do Direito e como meio de solução de conflitos como um todo.