bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the validity of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and its domains using network analysis
Authors: Truong Quoc Cuong , Cervin Matti , Choo Carol C. , Numbers Katya , Bentvelzen Adam C. , Kochan Nicole A. , Brodaty Henry , Sachdev Perminder S. , Medvedev Oleg N. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the most widely used standardised screener for impairments across a range of cognitive domains. However, the degree to which its domains (orientation, registration, attention, recall, language, and visuospatial) capture cognitive functioning measured using standardised neuropsychological tests is unclear.MethodA longitudinal research design with four biannual assessments over a 6‐year period was used with an initial sample of 1037 older adults (aged above 70 years). Participants completed MMSE and neuropsychological tests at each assessment. Network analysis was utilised to investigate unique associations among the MMSE and its domains and neuropsychological test performance at each time point.ResultsThe total MMSE and two of its domains, language and recall, were associated with neuropsychological memory performance. The MMSE orientation, registration and visuospatial domains did not have any unique associations with neuropsychological performance. No stable internal interconnections between MMSE domains were found over time. The association of total MMSE as well as its recall domain with neuropsychological memory performance remained very similar over the 6‐year period.ConclusionsThe present study adds evidence to the validity of the MMSE and supports the clinical usage of the MMSE, whereby the total score is used for screening patients with or without cognitive impairments, with repeated administration to monitor cognitive changes over time, to inform intervention. However, the tool is not able to diagnose the cases for changes in specific cognitive domains and as such, should not replace a complete neuropsychological assessment.
Ameliorative effect of crocin on post‐thaw quality, fertility‐associated gene expression and fertilization potential of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull sperm
Authors: Khan Ghulam Shabbir , Tahir Muhammad Zahid , Zahoor Muhammad Yasir , Rahman Hifz‐ul‐ , Riaz Amjad 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBuffalo bull sperm suffer more cryoinjuries due to lipid peroxidation of high structural polyunsaturated fatty acid contents than cattle sperm. Consequently, the post‐thaw fertilization potential of buffalo bull sperm is compromised. Crocin is a carotenoid known for its antioxidant potential through scavenging reactive oxygen species. Objectives of the current study were to investigate the effect of crocin addition in the semen extender on post‐thaw quality, fertility‐associated gene expression and fertilization potential of buffalo bull sperm. Semen samples (n = 32) from four Nili‐Ravi buffalo bulls were extended with tris‐citric acid extender containing different concentrations of crocin (0 mM; control, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mM). The extended semen was packed in 0.5 mL French straws (25 × 106 sperm/straw) and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. Computer‐assisted semen analysis, hypo‐osmotic swelling test, normal apical ridge assay, Rhodamine 123, acridine orange, propidium iodide staining, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay were performed to assess sperm motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA integrity, viability, and lipid peroxidation, respectively. Expression levels of sperm acrosome‐associated SPACA3, DNA condensation‐related PRM1, anti‐apoptotic BCL2, pro‐apoptotic BAX, and oxidative stress‐associated ROMO1 genes were evaluated through qPCR. The fertility of semen doses containing the most potent concentration of crocin (based on optimum post‐thaw semen quality) was compared with control during the breeding season. Buffaloes (n = 400; 200/group) were inseminated 24 h after the onset of oestrus and transrectally palpated for pregnancy at least 60 days post‐insemination. Results revealed that 0.5 and 1 mM crocin improved sperm post‐thaw total motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential and viability, and 1 and 1.5 mM crocin enhanced catalase activity and reduced lipid peroxidation compared to control (p < .05). Moreover, 1 mM crocin improved sperm post‐thaw progressive motility, kinematics, and DNA integrity, and 1.5 mM crocin enhanced plasma membrane integrity than control (p < .05). Expression levels of SPACA3, PRM1 and BCL2 genes were higher (p < .05) with 1 mM crocin compared to other groups. In contrast, no difference (p > .05) was noticed in expressions of BAX and ROMO1 genes among all groups. The fertility rate of semen doses containing the most potent concentration (1 mM) of crocin was higher (p = .0465) compared to control (56 ± 0.03% vs. 46 ± 0.04%, respectively). In conclusion, 1 mM crocin in the semen extender improves post‐thaw quality, fertility‐associated gene expression and fertilization potential of buffalo bull sperm.
Effectiveness of picture‐based interventions of toothbrush training on improvement of oral hygiene in children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Godbole Neil , Tirupathi Sunny Priyatham , Nair Sneha , Afnan Lamea , Nallapu Anusha , Nallapu Anoop 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundChildren with autism exhibit a higher risk of poor oral health due to difficulty in the performance of simple tasks such as toothbrushing.AimThis current systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Picture based intervention of toothbrush training on improvement of oral hygiene in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)Materials and methodsProspero registered (CRD42023450156). PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus databases are searched from years January 1, 1980 to August 1, 2023 using broad search terms (brush) AND (autism).ResultsThe search queries have identified 853 titles, from three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane), after application of filters for exclusion of systematic reviews and meta‐analysis, duplicate exclusion and removal of irrelevant titles led to the final inclusion of 24 articles for full text screening. From the 24 included studies, 10 studies (four RCTs and six non‐randomized clinical studies) sustained the final rigorous PICO search. Quantitative pooling of data were performed for limited articles.ConclusionLow quality evidence suggest that picture‐based intervention of toothbrush training has significant improvement (p ≤ .05) in improving toothbrushing habit as well as performance as indicated by the Plaque Index score (PI), Gingival index (GI) and Oral hygiene index score (OHI‐S).
Genome architecture and genetic diversity of allopolyploid okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Authors: Nieuwenhuis Ronald , Hesselink Thamara , van den Broeck Hetty C. , Cordewener Jan , Schijlen Elio , Bakker Linda , Diaz Trivino Sara , Struss Darush , de Hoop Simon‐Jan , de Jong Hans , Peters Sander A. 
Published: December 2023

SUMMARYThe allopolyploid okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) unveiled telomeric repeats flanking distal gene‐rich regions and short interstitial TTTAGGG telomeric repeats, possibly representing hallmarks of chromosomal speciation. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes organize into 5S clusters, distinct from the 18S–5.8S–28S units, indicating an S‐type rRNA gene arrangement. The assembly, in line with cytogenetic and cytometry observations, identifies 65 chromosomes and a 1.45 Gb genome size estimate in a haploid sibling. The lack of aberrant meiotic configurations implies limited to no recombination among sub‐genomes. k‐mer distribution analysis reveals 75% has a diploid nature and 15% heterozygosity. The configurations of Benchmarking Universal Single‐Copy Ortholog (BUSCO), k‐mer, and repeat clustering point to the presence of at least two sub‐genomes one with 30 and the other with 35 chromosomes, indicating the allopolyploid nature of the okra genome. Over 130 000 putative genes, derived from mapped IsoSeq data and transcriptome data from public okra accessions, exhibit a low genetic diversity of one single nucleotide polymorphisms per 2.1 kbp. The genes are predominantly located at the distal chromosome ends, declining toward central scaffold domains. Long terminal repeat retrotransposons prevail in central domains, consistent with the observed pericentromeric heterochromatin and distal euchromatin. Disparities in paralogous gene counts suggest potential sub‐genome differentiation implying possible sub‐genome dominance. Amino acid query sequences of putative genes facilitated phenol biosynthesis pathway annotation. Comparison with manually curated reference KEGG pathways from related Malvaceae species reveals the genetic basis for putative enzyme coding genes that likely enable metabolic reactions involved in the biosynthesis of dietary and therapeutic compounds in okra.
A note on the Hasse norm principle
Authors: Koymans Peter , Rome Nick 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLet be a finite, abelian group. We show that the density of ‐extensions satisfying the Hasse norm principle exists, when the extensions are ordered by discriminant. This strengthens earlier work of Frei–Loughran–Newton, who obtained a density result under the additional assumption that is cyclic with denoting the smallest prime divisor of .
Synchronization of a Class of Nonlinear Systems With and Without Uncertainty Using State Feedback and Extended Kalman Filter Based Control Scheme
Authors: Ranjan Ravi Kumar , Sharma Bharat Bhushan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The paper elaborates on various synchronization aspects for nonlinear systems belonging to a specific class, under different scenarios. The method proposed in the article refers to the Lyapunov direct method and Extended Kalman Filter technique to ensure the convergence of the slave state trajectories to the corresponding master state trajectories. Initially, an output feedback-based synchronization approach is attempted, assuming that bounds of unmeasurable states are available for controller synthesis. However, this approach has limitations in handling complete parametric uncertainty for the considered class of systems. To overcome this limitation, a state feedback-based synchronization scheme is presented, and an appropriate state feedback controller and parametric adaptation laws are designed analytically. In the case where only output states are accessible for feedback, and the system is subjected to complete parametric uncertainty, an Extended Kalman Filter based estimation scheme is used. This approach facilitates achieving synchronization despite the presence of external channel noise disturbances with a Gaussian distribution. The potency of the proposed results is successfully substantiated for the chaotic Lorenz system, which belongs to the considered class of nonlinear systems. Ultimately, numerical simulations are provided to corroborate the efficacy of proposed synchronization and estimation strategy.
The Effects of Using a Cycling Desk at School on Executive Function, Physical Fitness, and Body Composition in Primary School Children: Impact of Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Chambonnière Camille , Metz Lore , Fillon Alicia , Demonteix Pauline , Fearnbach Nicole , Bailly Mélina , Boscaro Audrey , Pereira Bruno , Thivel David , Duclos Martine 
Published: December 2023

Context: Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors are associated with adverse health outcomes in both adults and children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 9-week program using a Cycle Desk during school time in French primary school children from high or low socioeconomic status (SES) on body composition, physical fitness (PF), and executive function. Methods: Seventy-five (n = 75) children completed a test battery before and after 9 weeks of use of Cycle Desk to evaluate anthropometric characteristics, body composition, PF, and executive function. Results: Body mass index increased significantly (P = .0095), while body fat decreased after the use of Cycle Desks (P < .0001). Specifically, lean mass increased in the high-SES group while it decreased in the low-SES group (P < .0001). After 9 weeks, there was an improvement in motor skills (P < .0001), upper and lower limbs’ strength (P < .0001), and executive function performance (P < .0001). More specifically, the low-SES group had a greater improvement in motor skills and maximal aerobic speed between T0 and T1, compared to the high-SES group (P = .001, P = .023, respectively). In contrast, the high-SES group had a greater improvement in executive function at 9 weeks of use of Cycle Desk compared with the low-SES group (P = .0084). Conclusions: The promotion of low-intensity physical activity with the use of a Cycle Desk at school may help offset some adverse effects of excess sedentary behavior among children. Moreover, this strategy appears to be particularly effective in children from low-SES backgrounds. What’s New: The use of a Cycle Desk during school time has no deleterious effects on PF as well as cognitive executive functions in primary children. Modifications are more beneficial in children from low SES.
Clostridium butyricum
Prazmowski can degrade and utilize resistant starch via a set of synergistically acting enzymes
Authors: Pickens Tara L. , Cockburn Darrell W. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Resistant starch is a prebiotic fiber that is best known for its ability to increase butyrate production by the gut microbiota. This butyrate then plays an important role in modulating the immune system and inflammation. However, the ability to use this resistant starch appears to be a rare trait within the gut microbiota, with only a few species such as
Ruminococcus bromii
and
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
having been demonstrated to possess this ability. Furthermore, these bacteria do not directly produce butyrate themselves, rather they rely on cross-feeding interactions with other gut bacteria for its production. Here, we demonstrate that the often-used probiotic organism
Clostridium butyricum
also possesses the ability to utilize resistant starch from a number of sources, with direct production of butyrate. We further explore the enzymes responsible for this trait, demonstrating that they exhibit significant synergy, though with different enzymes exhibiting more or less importance depending on the source of the resistant starch. Thus, the co-administration of
Clostridium butyricum
may have the ability to improve the beneficial effects of resistant starch.

IMPORTANCE

Clostridium butyricum
is seeing increased use as a probiotic, due to potential health benefits tied to its ability to produce butyrate. Here, we demonstrate that this organism can use a variety of resistant starch sources and characterize the enzymes it uses to accomplish this. Given the relative rarity of resistant starch utilizing ability within the gut and the health benefits tied to resistant starch, the combined use of this organism with resistant starch in synbiotic formulations may prove beneficial.
Innovative Telerehabilitation Enhanced Care Programme (ITECP) in young and middle-aged patients with haemorrhagic stroke to improve exercise adherence: protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Yuanxing , Jin Qiansheng , Ji Cuiling , Yuan Ping , Chen Lu 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionExercise rehabilitation is crucial for promoting the rehabilitation of limb motor function in people who had stroke and is related to a better prognosis. However, the exercise adherence of patients is low, which affects the effect of exercise rehabilitation. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the Innovative Telerehabilitation Enhanced Care Programme (ITECP) on exercise adherence in young and middle-aged patients with haemorrhagic stroke. We hypothesise that patients trained with ITECP will show greater improvement in exercise adherence and muscle strength than patients with routine exercise rehabilitation.Methods and analysisThis is a randomised controlled, evaluator-blinded multicentre superiority trial to be implemented at four tertiary grade-A hospitals in eastern, western, northern and central China. Patients in the experimental group will receive ITECP while those in the control group will receive routine exercise rehabilitation. Both groups will receive routine care. The primary outcome measure is exercise adherence, while secondary outcome measures include muscle strength, activities of daily living, exercise self-efficacy, quality of life, rate of exercise-related adverse events and readmission. These will be measured at baseline, predischarge as well as 1 and 3 months postdischarge.Ethics and disseminationThe study has obtained ethical approval from the Medical Ethics Committee of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School (2021-381-02). The results will be shared with young and middle-aged patients with haemorrhagic stroke, policy-makers, the general public, as well as academia.Trial registration numberChinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR 2200066498).
Determinants of access to and use of gestational diabetes mellitus services in Kenya: a multimethod case study protocol
Authors: Obongo Angela , Tallarek Marie , Spallek Jacob 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing public health issue in many low and middle-income countries (LMICs), making up about 90% of the global burden of GDM. Additionally, LMICs’ healthcare systems are already overwhelmed by the prevalence of communicable diseases. It is crucial to understand the patterns of GDM in sub-Saharan African countries. Early detection, lifestyle and medication interventions, regular prenatal visits and effective postpartum management can help avert the future development of type 2 diabetes. GDM services present opportunities for preventive and treatment strategies for women with GDM. However, various factors contribute to challenges and obstacles in accessing GDM services, particularly suboptimal postpartum screening and follow-up. This study aims to investigate the societal and healthcare factors that facilitate or hinder access to and use of GDM services, as well as the factors that promote or obstruct the management and treatment of GDM, in Kenya, using a postcolonial theoretical approach.Methods and analysisThe proposed study design is a multimethod case study of Kenyan GDM services. Data analysis is descriptive and thematic using SPSS software and qualitative content analysis. Data will be drawn from document reviews from the National Health Services (NHS), conversations with experts, on-site observations, semistructured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. The study subjects are purposively sampled healthcare providers (n=15) working in clinics and hospitals offering diabetes services, purposively sampled women who have been diagnosed with GDM identified from health records (n=15) and NHS experts (n=2). The study will take place in maternal healthcare services sites in national referral hospitals and/or private hospitals (two urban and two semiurban hospitals) in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya.Ethics and disseminationThe study has obtained ethical approval from the ethical committees of three institutions: Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (EK2021-03) in Germany and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (ISERC/1B/VOL.II/558/21) and Maseno University (MSU/DRPI/MUERC/00969/21) in Kenya. A research permit has been granted by the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation in Kenya. Participation in the study requires a signed informed consent form. The study findings will be shared with the scientific community and the study sites through scientific journals, academic presentations and public health and diabetes-related posters.
Study protocol for a feasibility study of microinterventions in smartphone-based assessments to reduce depressive rumination
Authors: Höller Inken , Spangenberg Lena 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionDepression as well as suicidal ideation and behaviours share several precipitating and maintaining factors and are subject to the influence of overlapping constructs. One of these transdiagnostic constructs is rumination. For the treatment of rumination, a variety of interventions are already available. However, not everyone with a need receives psychotherapeutic treatment. And even if they do: implementing learnt strategies alone at home can be challenging for patients. Therefore, this study aims to test the feasibility of delivering microinterventions for the reduction of rumination in a smartphone-based setting with the goal to make these interventions accessible to a larger number of people and support their use in everyday life.Methods and analysisThe study’s design is an uncontrolled-within-group design. Participants with at least mild depressive symptoms and reported rumination will be included and recruited via outpatient clinics as well as in the general population. The aim is to recruit at least N=70 participants. Participants first undergo a short telephone screening, a baseline assessment, a 7-day smartphone-based assessment including microinterventions in case participants report rumination and a postassessment. For feasibility purposes, primary outcomes relate to participants’ compliance, their evaluation of the smartphone-based assessment as well as the microinterventions delivered during the assessment. As a secondary goal, clinical utility will be examined. Clinical outcomes (eg, depressive symptoms, rumination) will be measured at baseline and postassessment.Ethics and disseminationThe ethics committee of the institute of psychology of the university of Duisburg-Essen and University of Leipzig has approved the study. Study results will be disseminated to healthcare communities, in peer-reviewed science journals and at conferences.Trial registration numberDRKS00031743.