bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interrogation of the human cortical peptidome uncovers cell-type specific signatures of cognitive resilience against Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Morgan Georgia R. , Carlyle Becky C. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterised by age-related cognitive decline. Brain accumulation of amyloid-β plaques and tau tangles is required for a neuropathological AD diagnosis, yet up to one-third of AD-pathology positive community-dwelling elderly adults experience no symptoms of cognitive decline during life. Conversely, some exhibit chronic cognitive impairment in absence of measurable neuropathology, prompting interest into cognitive resilience – retained cognition despite significant neuropathology – and cognitive frailty – impaired cognition despite low neuropathology. Synapse loss is widespread within the AD-dementia, but not AD-resilient, brain. Recent evidence points towards critical roles for synaptic proteins, such as neurosecretory VGF, in cognitive resilience. However, VGF and related proteins often signal as peptide derivatives. Here, nontryptic peptidomic mass spectrometry was performed on 102 post-mortem cortical samples from individuals across cognitive and neuropathological spectra. Neuropeptide signalling proteoforms derived from VGF, somatostatin (SST) and protachykinin-1 (TAC1) showed higher abundance in AD-resilient than AD-dementia brain, whereas signalling proteoforms of cholecystokinin (CCK) and chromogranin (CHG) A/B and multiple cytoskeletal molecules were enriched in frail vs control brain. Integrating our data with publicly available single nuclear RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) showed enrichment of cognition-related genes in defined cell-types with established links to cognitive resilience, including SST interneurons and excitatory intratelencephalic cells.
Agronomical and Morphological Diversity of Carob (Ceratonia Siliqua L.) Cultivars: A Case of a Semi-arid Region in Majorca (Spain)
Authors: Barceló-Anguiano Miguel , Llompart Miquel , Pou Jeroni , Luna Joana , Garau M. Carme 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

There is an increasing awareness of the potential usefulness of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) as a crop, due to its adaptability to agriculture in marginal lands and its capacity to confront foreseeable adverse climatic conditions. Moreover, in the food industry there is an increasing interest in this fruit as a functional ingredient, due to its physicochemical components and nutritional benefits. The species is traditionally cultivated in the Mediterranean region and a wide range of carob cultivars have been developed. The present work aims to evaluate yield and morphological pod and seed characteristics from 9 different cultivars from Majorca (Spain). Statistically significant differences were found among the cultivars for the characteristics examined, indicating a high genetic diversity. A correlation analysis between yield and morphological parameters exhibited a negative correlation between seed yield and pod width, length, weight and thickness; a positive correlation of pod weight with pod length, width and thickness, and negative correlation between seed weight and carob sex. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied in order to separate the different carob cultivars and establish three main groups. In the first of them, a great phenotypic diversity is evident. A two-dimensional model was found to be significant and explained 77.66% of the observed variability, the first component being mainly dominated by pod characteristics and seed yield (57.72%) and the second component mainly by seed parameters (19.94%).
On Power Calculation Based on Effect Size in Clinical Research
Authors: Zhang Yinuo , Chow Shein-Chung 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Power analysis for sample size calculation (power calculation) plays an important role in clinical research to guarantee that we have sufficient power for detecting a clinically meaningful difference (treatment effect) at a pre-specified level of significance. In practice, however, there may be little or no information regarding the test treatment under study available. In this case, it is suggested that power calculation for detecting an anticipated effect size adjusted for standard deviation be performed. In practice, power calculation based on effect size is commonly considered for a quick assessment of sample size requirement. It reduces a two-parameter problem into a single parameter problem by taking both mean response and variability into consideration. However, this approach has been criticized that the resultant sample size may not guarantee that final clinical results are reproducible if the variability is large. In addition, for a fixed effect size, study endpoints of different data types cannot translate one another in terms of clinically meaningful differences. This article meant to provide a comprehensive summarization of the relationship between power calculation based on effect size and based on treatment effect in terms of different study endpoints of different data types.
Evaluation of the effect of empagliflozin on prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: zarei batool , Fazli Benyamin , Tayyebi Mohammad , Javedanfar Omid , Bayaz Reza Javidi Dasht , Rahmati Malihe , Ghavami Vahid , Amini Shahram , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin in preventing atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Methods
Eighty-two patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were allocated to the empagliflozin group (n = 43) or placebo group (n = 39). In two groups, patients received empagliflozin or placebo tablets three days before surgery and on the first three postoperative days (for six days) in addition to the standard regimen during hospitalization. During the first three days after surgery, types of arrhythmias after cardiac surgery, including supraventricular arrhythmias, especially postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), ventricular arrhythmias, and heart blocks, were assessed by electrocardiogram monitoring. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated on the pre-operatively and postoperative third day.
Results
The incidence of POAF in the treatment group was lower compared to the control group; however, this reduction was statistically non-significant (p = 0.09). The frequency of ventricular tachycardia reduced significantly in the treatment group versus patients in the control (p = 0.02). Also, a significant reduction in the frequency of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) was seen in the treatment group in comparison with the control group (p = 0.001). After the intervention, CRP levels were significantly less in the empagliflozin group in the control group in the third postoperative day (p = 0.04).
Conclusion
The prophylactic use of empagliflozin effectively reduced the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia in patients undergoing heart surgeries.
The long-term effect of COVID-19 infection on lung volumes and respiratory indices among hospitalized patients up to one year after discharging from hospital: a population- based cohort study
Authors: vazirinejad Reza , Ahmadinia Hassan , Rezaeian Mohsen , Nazari Marziyeh , Yazdani Rostam , Doraki Nader 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background and purpose
As the number of COVID-19 survivors increased, countless people have been affected by the pulmonary consequences of this infection. They are likely to suffer permanent lung damage and long-term pulmonary dysfunction (15). The present study aimed at investigating the long-term term effect of COVID-19 infection on lung volumes and respiratory indices among hospitalized patients up to one year after discharge from the hospital conducting a population-based cohort study.
Materials and Methods
This population-based cohort study was conducted by inviting patients with COVID-19 admitted to Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman (a reference hospital during the pandemic in Kerman province, Iran) during September, October, and November 2022, to the present survey. Respondents who agreed to help with the survey were followed for one year, and they were examined in terms of respiratory outcomes on two occasions at eight months and one year after discharge from the hospital. A spirometry test was also performed for the satisfied patients. Demographic information and hospitalization time information were extracted from their hospital records. Data were analyzed using SPSS and R software.
Results
Out of 1954 hospitalized patients, 500 patients accepted the study invitation. In terms of disease severity, 61 patients (12.2%) were classified as suffering from severe disease and 439 patients (87.8%) were classified as moderate. Cough and shortness of breath during activity were common symptoms that were observed in the first follow-up, although these symptoms were more common in patients with severe disease than in patients with moderate disease (P = 0.012 and P = 0.023, respectively). Despite decreasing patients' breathing problems during the first follow-up, a significant percentage of patients were, still, suffering from these problems 12 months after discharge from the hospital. Among the patients who performed spirometry, 54.9% had low lung volume, 10.8% were classified as obstructive lung patients, and 44.1% were reported as restrictive lung patients.
Conclusion
COVID-19 causes long-term complications in the lungs that continue for at least one year after the infection. Our results showed that Obstructive complications are more frequent than limiting complications.
Manipulation of artificial and living small objects by light driven diffusioosmotic flow
Authors: Muraveva Valeriia , Lomadze Nino , Gordievskaya Yulia D. , Ortner Philipp , Beta Carsten , Santer Svetlana 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Here we report on light-triggered generation of local flow utilizing a bio-compatible non-ionic photo-active surfactant. The mechanism is based on diffusioosmotic phenomenon where the gradient of relative concentration with respect to different chemical species near a surface leads to an osmotic pressure gradient driving liquid flow along the surface. The application of a photo-responsive surfactant allows for easy and reversible changes in concentration gradient by positioning a light source at the desired place. Along with the so-inscribed concentration gradient one can control the direction and strength of the flow even in a closed system. The phenomenology of light-driven diffusioosmotic flow (LDDO) can be used in a rather flexible way: colloids can be gathered or dispersed and bio-compatibility extends the range of colloid types also to living microorganisms such as soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida. We show that DO flow can be considered a versatile method to set hydrodynamic conditions along the sample for investigating the motility of living cells. Further advantages of employing LDDO are the flexibility of flow generation in a reversible way and with spatiotemporal control, without the need to either change the channel geometry by loading a different device, or the periphery of pumps and connectors.
Economic resilience and childhood growth: the construction of a household economic resilience index in Indonesia
Authors: Meliasari Rayinda Putri , Sahadewo Gumilang Aryo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In the face of rising economic uncertainty, household economic resilience is a pivotal concern, particularly in developing countries. Concurrently, child stunting and cognitive impairment stand as critical developmental challenges, significantly impacting the prospects of low socioeconomic status households. This study seeks to establish a comprehensive and valid measure of household economic resilience, employing multidimensional household characteristics for index construction. Leveraging data from the 2014 Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS), the study forms a latent variable for household economic resilience through factor analysis. This variable encompasses indicators of economic welfare, living conditions, social protection, and financial literacy, each of which is itself a latent variable assembled from multiple constituent variables. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of household resilience on child growth, utilizing rainfall as an instrumental variable (IV). The results indicate a noteworthy decrease in stunting likelihood with an increase in the resilience index. Nevertheless, although positive, the effects on HAZ, WAZ, and WHZ did not yield statistical significance. Notably, an elevation in children’s total cognitive z-score and math cognitive z-score was observed, while encounters with economic shocks in the past five years did not yield significant results. The resilience index stands poised to aid policymakers in targeting vulnerable groups, and channeling resources, and social protection programs to those most in need.
Cognitive reserve, comorbidities, and cognitive change among older American Indians: The Strong Heart Study
Authors: Suchy-Dicey Astrid , Longstreth W.T. , Buchwald Dedra , Rhoads Kristoffer , Grabowski Thomas 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND Cognitive resilience may be conceptualized as the ability to overcome the influence of accumulating pathology, to maintain healthy aging and function. However cognitive resilience has not been measured or evaluated in American Indian elders.
METHODS We recruited American Indians from 3 regional centers for two examinations (2010-13, n=818; repeated 2017-19, n=403) including MRI, cognitive, clinical, and questionnaire. We defined cognitive reserve by measuring the residual from individual regressions of Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale digit symbol coding test scores over MRI brain volumes, adjusted for age and sex. Analyses examined residuals of cogntiive reserve against sociodemographic, clinical, and longitudinal cognitive data in causal mediation models.
RESULTS Better cognitive reserve was significantly associated with more education (P<0.0001), higher income (P<0.0001), better quality of life (P<0.0001), lower prevalence of diabetes (P=0.001), fewer symptoms of depression (P=0.0007), and plasma biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (P<0.0001), but not with APOE e4 status (P=0.50), alcohol use (P=0.38), obesity (P=0.06), hypertension (P=0.11), kidney disease (P=0.07). Better cognitive resilience was associated with better cognitive function over time.
CONCLUSION Cognitive resilience, though challenging to measure, appears important for understanding the range of cognitive aging in American Indians.
Using different technologies and gamification to deliver active learning strategies on caries detection training during pandemics – case study and economic impact of two dental schools experiences
Authors: Yampa-Vargas Jhandira Daibelis , Romero Juan Sebastian Lara , Machado Thais Gomes , Soto Armando , Ando Masatoshi , Antunes Laura Regina Pontes , Viganó Maria Eduarda , Machado Gabriela Manco , Natal Karina Haibara , Oliveira Gabriele , Carnevale Lucas Freitas , Riley Naomi , Imparato José Carlos , Raggio Daniela Prócida , Mendes Fausto Medeiros , Braga Mariana Minatel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background In 2020, due to the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, the teaching methodologies had to be adapted to allow social distancing and avoid contamination at universities. Technology was an important aid to cross those barriers. This study describes and assesses the economic impact of including information and communication technology (ICT) in adapting educational activities at two universities during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods Dental School of the University of São Paulo (FOUSP) in Brazil and The Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) in the United States are engaged in Initiatives for Undergraduate Students' Training in Cariology (IuSTC). Their educational staff modified teaching approaches to continue training dental students for caries detection with tutored and active learning strategies using available ICTs. Resources used during the activities were valued considering the perspective of the educational Institution. The costs of implementing the adapted methodologies were valued in the local currency and converted to international dollars.Results Teaching methods for caries detection during the pandemic were implemented by hybrid teaching models, mixing online and in-person activities. The ICT strategies were created based on a previous base methodology, part of IuSTC. The innovative approaches included gamification and virtual laboratory (FOUSP, n = 80), virtual classes, and online feedback (IUSD, n = 105) to engage the students using active learning methodologies. Both institutions successfully taught a complete group of students during the pandemic. The cost of developing and delivering the adapted teaching methodologies was about $64 to $71 per student for the FOUSP and $78 per student for the IUSD. In the overall cost composition, values assigned to facilities and instructional materials were less significant. Even based on ICT, human resources in teaching strategies represented the most expensive ingredient for both institutions, constituting 95% and 51% of the expenses for FOUSP and IUSD, respectively. Some adaptations have been used after pandemic control.Conclusions The adaptations based on ICT permit the institutions to proceed with their active methodologies, given the barriers imposed by the pandemic. The imposed challenge demanded creativity and a considerable university investment, but the benefits surpassed the pandemic.Trial registration IuSTC-01: https://doi.org/10.2196/resprot.7414. Economic analysis associated with IuSTC-01: www.osf.io/wa6x2.
Analyzing Quinoa Seeds: LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS Approaches for Identifying a Nutrient-Rich Functional Food in Alzheimer's and Diabetes Care
Authors: Çoban Furkan , Yuca Hafize , Aydın Bilge , Tosun Murat , YAZICI Abdullah , KARAKAYA Songül , TAN Mustafa , ÖZER Hakan , Atila Alptuğ 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a versatile pseudocereal renowned for its exceptional nutritional profile and gluten-free properties. In this study, an in-depth exploration was carried out to investigate antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticholinesterase activities of 14 quinoa genotypes. Precise quantification of specific secondary metabolites was conducted using LC-MS/MS. Additionally, a detailed analysis of fatty oil chemical composition was performed employing GC-MS/MS. The study uncovered linoleic acid as dominant compound, comprising a substantial portion of fatty oil content, ranging from 46.60–56.33%. Alanine exhibited the highest concentration, ranging from 192.4887 to 1578.0355 nmol/mL in all active extracts. French Vanilla hexane extract displayed outstanding α-glucosidase inhibition activity (75.71%) surpassing effectiveness of acarbose (74.01%). Santa Ana hexane extract stood out with superior α-amylase inhibition activity (28.58%). The exploration into therapeutic potential against Alzheimer's disease showcased promising outcomes, with Titicaca hexane extract exhibiting commendable activity against acetylcholinesterase (22.22%) and Moqu Arochilla methanol extract proving effective against butyrylcholinesterase (47.20%). Salcedo and French Vanilla extracts demonstrated exceptional DPPH radical scavenging activity. Positive correlation was determined between total phenolic content, DPPH (r = 0.381), β-carotene (r = 0,417) and FRAP (r = 0.893) activities. These findings underscore functional significance of quinoa, not only as a gluten-free dietary choice but also as a potential functional food that could play a pivotal role in managing diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease.
Short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of combined caudate lobectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Zeng Di , Wang Yaoqun , Wen Ningyuan , Xiong Xianze , Lu Jiong , Li Bei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
There was a dearth of reliable research on the clinical value of combined caudate lobectomy in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus. We aimed to compare the short-term and long-term outcome of combined versus non-combined caudate lobectomy in patients undergoing curative-intent resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus.
Methods
This single center retrospective cohort study of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma was conduct from January 2007 to December 2021. Patients who underwent radical re-resection were enrolled. The short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of the groups were compared before and after propensity score matching.
Result
A total of 282 patients were included. There was no statistically significant difference in perioperative clinical outcomes between CL (caudate lobectomy) group and non-CL group before and after PSM. Patients who received CL had significantly longer OS before and after PSM (p = 0.007, before PSM; p = 0.033, after PSM), compared to those in the non-CL group. As for DFS, CL group was associated with improved DFS before and after PSM (p < 0.001, before PSM; p = 0.019, after PSM), compared with non-CL group following the curative-intent resection.
Conclusion
Combined caudate lobectomy (CL) would improve the long-term survival for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma involving the hepatic hilus. The postoperative complications of combined CL group were comparable to that of non-CL group, indicating that CL would not worsen postoperative survival. Therefore, radical surgical resection should be actively performed in these patients.
Morphological and life-history plastic responses to predators and competitors in two brown frogs, Rana dalmatina and R. latastei
Authors: Castellano Sergio , Seglie Daniele , Friard Olivier P 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Predation and competition are two major factors that drive natural selection. When they vary unpredictably, selection has promoted the evolution of plastic responses in behavioral, morphological and life-history traits. These responses are not independent of each other and often represent a trade-off between conflicting interests. We conducted a common-garden experiment to study the effects of predation and competition on the morphology and the life history of R. dalmatinaand R. latastei tadpoles. The experiment used a randomized-block design, where tadpoles were raised either with or without siblings and either with or without predators. Regardless of the treatments, R. dalmatina grew faster, developed proportionally larger tails, proportionally smaller bodies, and completed metamorphosis earlier than R. latastei. Both species developed relatively larger bodies with competitors, and relatively larger tails with predators. While the relative increase in body size with competitors was similar in the two species, the increase in tail size with predators was greater in R. dalmatina, suggesting that this species invested more in defense than the other. Competitors delayed the metamorphosis in both species and in R. latastei they negatively affected froglets’ body size and shape. Conversely, predators delayed the metamorphosis only in R. dalmatina. This delay was the long-term cost paid by R. dalmatina for the short-term benefits of developing more effective defensive traits.